The Bayelsa State Government has raised concerns over the growing sale of fake drugs, drinks, and cosmetics in local markets, warning that the products are causing serious health problems, including liver, kidney, and lung diseases.
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, described the situation as a health emergency during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Yenagoa.
“This is a serious emergency that needs urgent attention,” Koku-Obiyai said. “Environmental Sanitation Authority is already in court with some of the people selling these fake drugs, drinks, and other items. The fake goods were confiscated.”
According to her, several government agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Environmental Sanitation Authority, and the Consumer Protection Unit of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, are already working together to tackle the problem.
She explained that during routine inspections at the Swali Market, officials discovered fake soft drinks, body creams, and hair relaxers that had either expired or were poorly produced.
“For us as a government, we want the people of Bayelsa to remain healthy. Anything we can prevent, we start to prevent it,” she said. “The ones we have seen, we have confiscated, and some sellers have been arrested.”
Koku-Obiyai, who is also a trained nurse, linked the rise in chronic diseases to the consumption and use of substandard products.
“I have my worries because I am a nurse. If you visit the Federal Medical Centre or other facilities, you will see the number of kidney and liver diseases,” she said. “Some harmful chemicals added to fake drugs, soft drinks, or wine have direct effects on the liver, kidneys, and even the lungs.
“The creams we use, once applied to the skin, are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. We need to alert our people and enlighten them on the need to be sure of what they are buying.”
She urged residents to be extra careful when shopping and to always check expiry dates, NAFDAC numbers, and product appearance before purchase.
“If an item is far cheaper than its normal price, that should raise a red flag,” she warned. “The same applies to the water we drink. Some bottled or sachet water is produced under unsafe conditions.”
Koku-Obiyai assured that the government would continue to clamp down on offenders while protecting the identities of those who report suspicious products.
“There are deaths that are quite preventable,” she said. “We have assured the people that their identities will be kept confidential when they report. We need to be careful, educate our children, and enlighten everyone about the dangers of these fake products.”
