NAFDAC destroys N8 billion counterfeit, expired products in Nasarawa

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), North Central Zone, has destroyed counterfeit drugs and other substandard regulated products worth N8 billion in Nasarawa state.

Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by deputy director of NAFDAC, North Central Zone, Mr. Joseph Edor, disclosed this at the destruction exercise in company of other dignitaries on Thursday, in Lafia.

She said the offending products were mopped up from circulation through enforcement activities by the agency across the North Central states.

“It is in the course of carrying out these activities, that these heap of unwholesome, banned, fake and adulterated products worth about N8bn were confiscated from manufacturing outfits, sales outlets, markets and motor parks.

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

She stated that NAFDAC is continuously waging war against counterfeiting of regulated products, maintaining that the destruction exercise was part of efforts to rid the country of this menace.

She said studies from various researchers have shown that, due to the availability, affordability and portability of these sizes of products, they have become major products of abuse and addiction among Nigerians, especially the youths and underage school children.

“Research has also shown that, early exposure to alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs of the body such as liver and kidneys,” she said.

Adeyeye however, called for sustained cooperation among government agencies involved in the fight against counterfeit products and illicit activities.

NAFDAC therefore, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal manufacturing, repackaging and sales of counterfeit products to the agency.

Speaking, Nasarawa state NAFDAC coordinator Mr. Gyani Steven, said they didn’t destroy unsafe products to hurt anybody, but to safeguard the health of the public.