NAFDAC destroys N8 billion fake products in North-Central

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed fake, expired, and banned products worth over N8 billion seized in North-Central Nigeria.

Most of the seized items were banned alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small containers of less than 200ml.

During the destruction event in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Thursday, NAFDAC's Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said the products were taken from factories, shops, markets, and motor parks across the region.

Adeyeye, represented by Joseph Edor, a Deputy Director at NAFDAC in the zone, explained that the ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets and glass bottles under 200ml aims to reduce their use, especially among youths and schoolchildren.

She noted that the low prices, easy availability, and portability of these drinks made them simple to misuse.

Adeyeye said, "Research has shown that early exposure to alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

“It stymies the brain, resulting in mental retardation, brain damage, poor performance of pupils in school, low productivity, and several types of illnesses."

She mentioned that the ban and the enforcement actions were due to worries about alcohol abuse, addiction, and its negative health impacts.

Other seized items included expired, fake, and harmful food products, medicines, and cosmetics.

Adeyeye said, “While carrying out these activities, we confiscated this heap of unwholesome, banned, fake, and adulterated products worth about eight billion naira from factories, sales outlets, markets, and motor parks.

“The bulk of the products in that pile are mostly banned alcoholic beverages in low volumes of less than 200ml (20cl).”

The NAFDAC boss praised other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders for their support through sharing information and providing security assistance.

Dr Gyani Stephen, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of NAFDAC, said the destruction was meant to protect public health, not to harm businesses or individuals.

He warned traders selling fake and banned products to stop, saying the agency would act against those breaking the law.

In a goodwill message, Daniel Saidu, the Nasarawa State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, represented by Yakubu Awoh, praised NAFDAC for its efforts to remove expired and fake medicines from the market.

He cautioned that allowing such harmful products into the market could put millions at risk and damage their mental health.