NAFDAC begins destruction of substandard, expired products in Oyo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, South-West Zone, on Thursday began the destruction of unwholesome and substandard products worth over N20 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The exercise took place at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, said the initiative aimed to prevent such dangerous products from re-entering the market and causing harm.

Adeyeye was represented by Mrs Florence Uba, the agency’s Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos.

She said the products being destroyed included substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics, and other expired items.

She added that the agency had 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 N20 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.

She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for handing over more than 25 containers for destruction.

She also commended the police, army, Department of State Services, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for their support of NAFDAC’s mission.