NAFDAC destroys ₦20bn worth of fake, expired products in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, expired, and substandard pharmaceutical products worth ₦20 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The exercise, carried out by NAFDAC’s Southwest Zonal Office, is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and prevent unsafe medical products and other regulated items from re-entering the Nigerian market.

Speaking during the destruction exercise on Thursday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from fake drugs, falsified medical products, and unsafe food and chemicals. Represented by Mrs. Florence Uba, Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division (Investigation and Enforcement), Adeyeye stated that the operation highlights NAFDAC’s zero-tolerance stance against substandard and harmful products.

“The items being destroyed include substandard and falsified medicines, unwholesome processed foods and additives, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits, and other expired regulated products seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors,” she stated. “Also included are expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, NGOs, and trade associations.”

According to her, the destroyed products had a total street value of ₦20 billion. She noted that NAFDAC would continue to intensify nationwide surveillance and enforcement to curb the circulation of unwholesome drugs and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s supply chain.

Adeyeye commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its strong collaboration with NAFDAC in the ongoing anti-counterfeiting drive. “The Customs handed over 25 containers for destruction, containing various pharmaceutical products and a reefer container,” she revealed.

She also acknowledged the contributions of other security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Prof. Adeyeye urged Nigerians to avoid patronizing unauthorized drug sellers and to remain vigilant in identifying counterfeit products. “The fight against fake and substandard medicines is a collective responsibility,” she said. “Together, we can ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all Nigerians.”