The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake, adulterated, and unregistered food, drug, and cosmetic products valued at approximately N2.7 billion in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. The destruction took place at the Enugu State refuse dumpsite in Ugwuonyeama on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the South-East Zone Director, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, emphasized the public health risks posed by these counterfeit products, which could have endangered over three million people. Adeyeye stated that the harmful products would have further strained the country’s already overstretched healthcare system and increased poverty by forcing people to spend money on medical treatments instead of improving their livelihoods.
“It is also important to note that several individuals have lost their lives due to the consumption of these toxic substances,” she said. The destruction of these products, she added, serves as a strong message to the “merchants of death” who are intent on harming others for financial gain.
Adeyeye also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of other agencies, which has been crucial to NAFDAC’s success in curbing the distribution of substandard products. She encouraged the public to assist in this effort by reporting any unscrupulous manufacturers or businesspeople engaging in illicit practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for investigation.
Mr. Iluyomade also highlighted the strategic importance of the South-East in achieving NAFDAC’s goals. “If NAFDAC’s work is successful in the South-East, 70% of our mandate is already achieved,” he said, adding that numerous raids and enforcement activities in the region have led to the confiscation of counterfeit products that pose serious health risks to Nigerians.
NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that all regulated products in the country are safe and free from adulteration or falsification.
