NAFDAC destroys N10bn worth fake, counterfeit products in Kano
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed 618 tonnes of fake, counterfeit, substandard, expired and unwholesome regulated products worth over N10.19 billion in Kano.
Speaking at the ceremony in Kano on Thursday, the Director-General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said that the products were confiscated by the agency in its various operations in the state.
Adeyeye, represented by Mr Fraden Nantim-Mullah, the NAFDAC Director, North-West, said that the destruction was a milestone in the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
She said the destruction was not merely an enforcement action, but a clear statement that the era of impunity for those endangering lives through fake and dangerous products was ending.
Adeyeye said that NAFDAC, established under Act Cap N1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, was empowered to regulate and control foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and related products to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy.
“Our mandate is unequivocal: to ensure that every regulated product available to Nigerians meets stringent standards of safety and quality.
“Today’s exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to executing this mandate without compromise,” she said.
Adeleye cautioned manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers against production and sale of counterfeit and substandard products saying that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement mechanisms were robust and that offenders would face legal consequences.
According to her, the products destroyed were seized from unscrupulous operators across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and chemical sectors.
She listed the destroyed items to include counterfeit medicines such as antibiotics, anti-malarials, antihypertensives, analgesics, herbal remedies and controlled psychoactive substances.
Other items included adulterated vegetable oils, contaminated beverages, unsafe sachet water, substandard condiments and falsified tomato paste, as well as hazardous cosmetic products containing dangerous chemical compounds.
