By Tunji Oladejo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken a significant step in protecting public health by destroying N20 billion worth of substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed foods and unsafe cosmetics. This recent destruction in Ibadan demonstrates the agency’s commitment to eliminating harmful products from the Nigerian market. Also, this decisive action demonstrates the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards products that compromise public health.
The products that were destroyed during the Ibadan exercise were made up of substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed foods, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits and other expired NAFDAC-regulated items seized from manufacturers, importers and distributors.
The inclusion of expired products voluntarily surrendered by compliant companies and organisations highlights the collaborative efforts between NAFDAC and stakeholders in ensuring a safer market. This partnership is crucial in identifying and removing harmful products from the supply chain.
However, this battle is far from over. The danger of patronising unauthorised medicine sellers and quacks remains a pressing concern. These unscrupulous individuals peddle counterfeit and substandard products, putting the lives of Nigerians at risk. It is imperative that the public understands the gravity of this issue and joins forces with NAFDAC and other security agencies to stamp out this menace.
The collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are commendable. This united front sends a strong message to counterfeiters and quacks that Nigeria will no longer tolerate their activities.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, rightly emphasised the importance of collective action in this fight. It is crucial that Nigerians educate themselves and their loved ones about the dangers of patronising unauthorised medicine dealers. The consequences of consuming counterfeit products can be devastating and it is our collective responsibility to prevent this.
The destruction of these harmful products is a significant victory, but it is only the beginning. NAFDAC and its partners must continue to work tirelessly to identify and eliminate counterfeit products from the market. The public must also play their part by reporting suspicious activities and seeking medical attention from qualified professionals.
Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians. Let us join forces with NAFDAC and other security agencies to create a Nigeria where counterfeit products are a thing of the past.
Tunji Oladejo, JP, mnipr, writes from the University of Ibadan, and is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan via oladejo65@gmail.com.
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