The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, South-West Zone, on have begun the destruction of unwholesome and substandard products worth over ₦20 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The destruction took place at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye, said the exercise was aimed at preventing such dangerous products from re-entering the market and causing harm.
Adeyeye was represented by Mrs Florence Uba, the agency’s Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos.
She said the products being destroyed included substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed foods and additives, unsafe cosmetics, and other expired items.
She added that the agency seized the products from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
“Also up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations, and trade unions.
She urged community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to educate the public on the dangers of patronising unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.
NAFDAC also called for public participation in the fight against substandard products and urged Nigerians to report suspicious drug activities to help protect lives and strengthen the nation’s regulatory system.
She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for handing over more than 25 containers of seized items for destruction.
She also commended the Police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for supporting NAFDAC’s mission.
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