NAFDAC destroys over N55bn fake, expired drugs in Oyo

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake, banned and expired drugs worth over N55 billion in Oyo State.

The destruction took place on Thursday at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Akinyele Local Government Area.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during the exercise. Her message was delivered by the agency’s Deputy Director in charge of Investigation and Enforcement, Florence Ubah.

She said the exercise was carried out to prevent expired, substandard and fake drugs, medical devices and other unsafe products from finding their way back into the market.

According to her, the destroyed items included fake and expired medicines, unsafe cosmetics, unwholesome food products, counterfeit goods and other NAFDAC-regulated items seized from manufacturers, importers and distributors.

She also revealed that over 70 companies, NGOs and trade unions voluntarily handed over damaged and expired products for destruction.

“The estimated street value of the products destroyed today is N55,436,844,470,” she said.

Adeyeye thanked security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Customs, Army, DSS, NDLEA and other stakeholders, for supporting the fight against fake and unsafe products.

She appealed to religious and community leaders, health workers, journalists and the general public to educate people on the dangers of buying medicines and food from unauthorised dealers.