NAFDAC destroys N2.6bn worth of fake drugs and food in Rivers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed fake and substandard goods worth N2.6 billion in Rivers State.

The items included medicines, tomatoes, cookies, and chemicals. These products were seized by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port between 2025 and 2026.

Dr Martins Iluyomade, the Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods in Nigeria, shared this information on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. He spoke at the destruction site in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Iluyomade, who is also the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, said this action shows the agency's dedication to fighting counterfeit and fake drugs in Nigeria. He praised the collaboration between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service for making this destruction possible.

He explained that the process to destroy these goods began in 2025 and highlighted that both agencies have signed several agreements to help with this work.

"This gesture confirms the good relationship we have between NAFDAC and Nigeria Customs Service. We have an MoU signed, but we have people who have to work behind the scenes to make sure that the MoU works," he said.

Iluyomade noted that although there were challenges, the success came from the commitment of staff from both agencies.

"On this note, I want to thank the Comptroller-General of Customs, who made it a point of duty for us to come together, personally, to come and hand over this container," he added.

He mentioned that the destroyed products included expired tomatoes, cookies, medicines, and chemicals, all valued at N2.6 billion.

Iluyomade described this destruction as the first phase, mentioning that more seized goods will be destroyed soon.

"What you see here right now, this is the flag-up, others are still coming out of the port, and I want to urge the Nigerian Customs Service to quickly facilitate the remaining containers to be here on time for destruction," he stated.

He assured Nigerians that NAFDAC is committed to protecting public health. He emphasized that they aim to ensure people have access to safe food and effective medicines.

"For all Nigerians, our work is to safeguard the health of the nation. We will not relent on our task to make sure that this assignment of keeping all Nigerians safe, eat good food, and take the right medicines that work is not delayed," he said.

He called for unity among government agencies in the fight against fake drugs and other illegal activities.

Iluyomade warned that the task is too big for one agency alone and urged against unnecessary competition among them.

He also encouraged the public to help the government by reporting suspected fake products through NAFDAC’s official channels for quick action.

Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Abosede, representing the Enforcement Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, praised NAFDAC for this effort.

She also raised concerns about the health risks that fake and counterfeit medicines pose.

Earlier, Oligbu Chukwuma, the South-South Zonal Director of NAFDAC, represented by his deputy, Mrs Rita Chukwuma, said the destruction was part of the agency’s regulatory duties.

She noted that the destroyed items included those seized by NAFDAC and others given up by organizations voluntarily.

Chukwuma stated that the exercise aimed to eliminate fake and substandard products from circulation and protect communities from their harmful effects.