NAFDAC destroys food, drugs worth over N515 million in Gombe
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
No fewer than five hundred and fifteen million , seven hundred and thirty two thousand, five hundred and eighty-seven naira (515,732,587.00) worth of substandard, fake and falsely labelled medicines, expired, unwholesome and counterfeit regulated food products were on Saturday destroyed by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Speaking at the North East site for the destruction in Gombe, Director General of the Agency; Prof. Christianah Mojisola Adeyeye, said this was part of NAFDAC’s function, adding that Act Cap No1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2014 gives the agency the right to regulate, and control.
Represented by deputy director Josephine Daliyim, who explained that the medicines included; antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarial, herbal remedies, psychoactive anti-diabetic. Good such as Spaghetti, vegetable oil, non alcoholic, beverages, sachet water. Creams such as creams, pomade etc and chemicals such as fake insecticides, fertilizers.
According to Adeyeye, “The Surveillance and enforcement systems in NAFDAC are continually being improved and strengthened. NAFDAC was ISO 9001: 2015 certified in 2019 and all our processes are now have Standard Operating Procedures (SOP-driven. We are now customer focused, Agency-minded and Country dedicated in achieving the mandate of the Agency.
“The organization was established to regulate importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale and the use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, detergent and chemicals.
“Today, we are witnessing the destruction of various categories of regulated products with estimated street value of five hundred and fifteen million , seven hundred and thirty two thousand, five hundred and eighty-seven naira (515,732,587.00).”
While lamenting the level of Adulteration in the region, the Director General said the destruction of these products would eliminate the risk of their re-introduction into the Nigerian market.
She added, “We solicit for the cooperation of the general public, corporate bodies, religious leaders, traditional leaders, health practitioners, the press, and all stakeholders in our effort to eradicate the menace of drug and substance abuse.
“Our collaboration with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders will be sustained to keep them updated on current regulatory requirements.”
On his part, Zonal coordinator of NAFDAC Bukar Usman, who was represented by Gombe State coordinator Pharm. Gonzuk Bedima Nyor, appreciated the efforts of other agencies that assisted in controlling fake products from entering into the market.
“SON, NSCDC, police, NDLEA and other agencies for assisting us. I want to appreciate all of them, because of the enlightenment campaign of the agency some of them have submitted their expired, counterfeit drugs to NAFDAC. I want to further employ us all to join hands together towards eliminating the sales and distribution counterfeit drugs and food,” Usman said.
