NAFDAC destroys N400m substandard products in Nasarawa

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed substandard drugs and other related products estimated at over N400m in Nasarawa State.

The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who disclosed this while carrying out the destruction in Lafia, the state capital, on Friday, explained that the products destroyed comprised falsified and expired medical products.

Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, noted that the unwholesome food, cosmetics and other counterfeit products were seized by the agency from the importers and distributors in the North Central zone of the country.

She said that expired drugs voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and National Association of Proprietary and Patent Medicine Dealers were also destroyed.

The NAFDAC DG, stated that among the substances destroyed were antibiotics, anti-hypertensive and anti-malarial drugs, herbal remedies, psychoactive and controlled substances.

Adeyeye stated, “The present management of NAFDAC has taken a proactive approach towards tackling this challenge. The engagement of political, traditional and religious leaders in sensitising their members, subjects and congregation, respectively, to the dangers of drug and substance abuse, particularly, in Northern geopolitical zones of the country, is yielding tremendous results.

“The destruction of these items today (Friday) is a testimony of our resolve to safeguard the health of out nation. I can assure you that NAFDAC is doing everything to ensure that the right quality medicines and wholesome foods are sold to Nigerians.”

In his remark, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who was represented by the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Hajiya Halima Jibrin, commended the agency for the effort in ridding the country of fake products.

“I commend NAFDAC for the good work done in the state and urge the agency to intensify efforts in mopping out fake, expired drugs and foods,” he stated.

Al-Makura assured that his administration would do everything to enhance the operation of the agency in the state because the activities of the agency.

The agency’s North Central Zonal Director, Mrs. Abayomi Bolaji, said, “I appreciate the Nasarawa State Government for giving us the opportunity to hold the exercise in the state. I want to assure everyone that NAFDAC is committed to ensure that only safe, quality and standard drugs, food and wholesome products are produced and distributed in our society.”