NAFDAC Destroys Fake, Expired Drugs Worth ₦4.7 Billion In Rivers

NAFDAC Destroys Fake, Expired Drugs in Rivers State to Safeguard Public Health

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out a large-scale destruction of substandard and falsified medical products at the Rivers State Waste Management Authority (RIWAMA) Dumpsite in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The exercise, aimed at ridding the South-South region of harmful and counterfeit health products, involved the disposal of contraband drugs and other unwholesome materials collected across six states. The items, which had been collated since Thursday, were transported to the dumpsite for proper destruction.

Speaking at the event, the South-South Director of NAFDAC, Chukwuma Oligbu, who represented the agency’s Director-General, emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health.

“The products being destroyed during this exercise include substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits, and other expired NAFDAC-regulated products seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Also included are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, NGOs, the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), and trade unions,” Oligbu stated.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious pharmaceutical activities, stressing the importance of collaboration between NAFDAC, pharmacists, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to combat the circulation of fake drugs.

The destruction exercise was carried out in partnership with security operatives and other relevant agencies.

As flames consumed the counterfeit and expired drugs, NAFDAC reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard Nigerians from the dangers of substandard medical products, ensuring the safety and efficacy of regulated consumables across the country.

Source: The Bureau Newspaper

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