This Wednesday's operation at the Akinyele Dumpsite encompassed the disposal of substandard, counterfeit, and falsified regulated products, including pharmaceuticals.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, delegated to South-West Zonal Director Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, highlighted the critical role of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in product disposal. The directorate's mandate, she explained, is the identification and removal of substandard, counterfeit, and spurious products from circulation.
Adeyeye underscored that the agency's main objective is to eradicate such products to safeguard public health.
She mentioned that this initiative is supported by partner agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Police.
Items slated for destruction were collected from five southwestern states (excluding Lagos) and Kwara State, in the North Central Zone, due to its proximity to the Southwest. These items comprise expired products voluntarily surrendered by drug distribution chain participants, unregistered and unsafe products seized from various outlets and warehouses, and smuggled counterfeit, fake, and unregistered imported goods.
The estimated value of the destroyed items totaled N10,991,458,374.60. This public destruction serves to unequivocally demonstrate that all confiscated items are disposed of and not diverted for personal use. In collaboration with NAFDAC and partner agencies, we are committed to the permanent removal of substandard products from circulation.
She clarified that the destruction, which is being closely overseen by the Oyo State Government, is intended to reduce environmental pollution.
To achieve its objectives, the agency utilizes various strategies, such as product registration and laboratory testing, inspections of manufacturing facilities and storage sites, pharmacovigilance, chemical assessments, and research initiatives.
Adeyeye highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders to shield Nigeria from harmful, substandard, counterfeit, and fake medicinal and regulated products.
Mohammed Shaba, NAFDAC's Director of Investigation and Enforcement, reported that the agency has disposed of substandard products valued at N98.6 billion to date in 2024.
He urged the public to promptly report any manufacturers engaging in illicit activities to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate investigation.
Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting initiatives designed to remove substandard products from the market. He stated that the government's paramount concern is safeguarding public health.