The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, South-West Zone, on Thursday at Mniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State capital desroyed of unwholesome and substandard products worth over ₦20 billion.
It was gathered that representatives of the Police, NCS, DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Ministry of Health were present during the exercise.
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Speaking during the destruction exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye, said the exercise was aimed at preventing such dangerous products from re-entering the market and causing harm.
Adeyeye, who was represented by Mrs Florence Uba, the agency’s Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos, 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.
“The estimated street value of the products planned for destruction is ₦20 billion.
“NAFDAC has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the health of the nation is safeguarded, and as such, it is committed to achieving its mandate,” she said.
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.
Uba, who expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for handing over more than 25 containers of seized items for destruction, 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.
“Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians,” she said.
