The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake, adulterated, and expired foods, drugs, and cosmetics valued at approximately N1.37 billion in Abuja. The destruction took place at the Kuje dumpsite on Thursday.
During the event, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that this is a routine operation conducted annually across the country to remove substandard products from the market. Represented by Dr. Festus Ukadike, she noted that in 2024, the agency had made significant seizures, including over N120 billion worth of counterfeit products in Lagos alone.
The destroyed products included psychoactive substances, antibiotics, and herbal remedies, as well as various food items such as cookies and vegetable oil. Cosmetics that were confiscated included skin-lightening creams and lotions.
Prof. Adeyeye stated that the agency’s increased surveillance and enforcement efforts aim to combat counterfeit goods that threaten public health. She confirmed that NAFDAC is working closely with various organizations and community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of substandard products.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, commended NAFDAC for its efforts and warned manufacturers and importers against non-compliance with regulations.
Salamatu Orakwelu, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria’s FCT Chapter, praised NAFDAC’s annual destruction initiative and assured support from pharmacists to ensure compliance with health standards.
