NAFDAC destroys fake drugs, substandard products worth N4.7bn in Rivers
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed seized fake and expired drugs, unwholesome processed food and sub-standard products from the South-South zone valued at N4.7bn.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by Director, South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu supervised the destruction held at the Rivers State dumpsite in Aluu in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
In her address, Adeyeye said the destruction of the harmful products was not just a routine exercise; but a firm statement of the agency’s “unwavering resolve and commitment” to protect lives from the dangers of counterfeit and substandard medicines, unwholesome food, medical devices and other hazardous regulated products.
Adeyeye stated, “These products, if allowed to circulate, could cause untold harm including treatment failures, drug resistance, prolonged illnesses, and even loss of lives.
“The products being destroyed during this exercise are made up of substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, as well as unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits and other expired NAFDAC regulated products seized by the agency from manufacturers, importers and distributors.
“Also, up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, Non-Governmental Organisations, Association of Community Pharmacists and Trade Unions, to the agency.
“The estimated street value of the products planned for destruction is N4, 7 billion.”
She disclosed that NAFDAC, through intelligence gathering in July, 2024 discovered several warehouses in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital where some alcoholic beverages were being re-validated and re-introduced into circulation, saying, “After a properly coordinated surveillance, the warehouses were raided and products confiscated.”
Speaking earlier, the acting Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Obi Ohia, lauded NAFDAC for the efforts, saying the feat will help reduce death rates and improve the health status of citizens.
