The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, substandard, and expired pharmaceutical products worth over one trillion naira in Anambra State.
The destruction took place on Friday at the Anambra State Waste Management Authority Dump Site in Agu Awka, Awka South Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the agency’s South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, revealed that the seized products included banned and controlled substances such as Analgin and Tramadol 225mg.
According to her, the confiscated drugs were recovered during enforcement operations at Onitsha Bridge Head Drug Market (Ogbu-Ogu) and Ekumi/Tenant Road Drug Market in Aba.
Addressing journalists before the destruction, Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and beverages available in Nigeria meet safety and quality standards.
“Today, we are destroying counterfeit and illicit drugs seized during a one-month enforcement operation. The volume of unregistered and banned drugs found in these major markets is alarming. Substances like Analgin and high-dose Tramadol contribute not only to health hazards but also to national security concerns,” she stated.
She emphasized that the agency is determined to eliminate substandard medicines from circulation.
“For too long, Nigerians have raised concerns about the availability of fake drugs, and we have listened. We are assuring Nigerians that the medicines now available in the system are safe and effective. This enforcement operation, which ran from February 10 to March 5, is only the beginning of an ongoing effort to rid the country of counterfeit drugs,” she added.
Adeyeye noted that the scale of confiscated narcotics and other unauthorized medicines was significant, warning that such substances could destabilize society.
“The sheer volume of these drugs is enough to threaten national stability. Our research confirms a direct link between these substances and rising insecurity. Over 100 trucks, each carrying 40-foot containers of counterfeit drugs, were removed from Onitsha and Aba markets, amounting to over a trillion naira in estimated value. Millions of lives have been saved through this single enforcement action,” she said.
She encouraged the public to remain vigilant, urging Nigerians to report any suspicious drug-related activities.
The NAFDAC boss also commended the media for amplifying the fight against counterfeit drugs and called on all stakeholders to support the campaign against illicit pharmaceuticals.
Representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the event, the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority, Mike Ozoemanam, praised NAFDAC’s efforts in sanitizing the drug market.
“The governor personally visited the market during the enforcement exercise, not for politics, but to support this vital operation. He recognizes the harmful effects of fake drugs on our youths, and his administration stands firmly against their circulation. Anambra is a peaceful state, and we will not allow illicit drugs to thrive here,” Ozoemanam stated.
He urged NAFDAC to remain steadfast in its efforts, assuring the agency of the state government’s continued support in the fight against fake and substandard drugs.
