NAFDAC Destroys Over ₦8 Billion in Fake and Banned Products in North-Central Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake, expired, and banned products valued at over ₦8 billion in North-Central Nigeria. This action took place on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, shared details of the operation, which involved confiscating items from various locations, including manufacturing facilities, markets, and motor parks. The majority of the destroyed products were banned alcoholic beverages sold in small sachets and containers.

These restrictions on certain alcoholic beverages were put in place due to concerns about their easy accessibility and potential for misuse, especially among young people. Adeyeye noted that early exposure to alcohol can harm brain development and damage vital organs like the liver and kidneys.

She warned that alcohol consumption among children could lead to serious health issues, including poor academic performance and reduced productivity. NAFDAC’s mission is to ensure that products sold in Nigeria meet safety and quality standards.

In addition to alcoholic beverages, NAFDAC also destroyed expired and counterfeit medicines, as well as unsafe food products and cosmetics. The agency received support from law enforcement and other partners during this operation.

Dr. Gyani Stephen, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of NAFDAC, emphasized that the goal of the operation was to protect public health, not to harm businesses. He urged sellers of counterfeit and banned products to stop their practices, warning that legal actions would follow against offenders.

In a supportive message, the Nasarawa State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency praised NAFDAC for its commitment to public safety through these enforcement actions.