In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake and expired drugs, substandard food products, and other unsafe consumer goods valued at N4.7 billion.
The destruction exercise, which took place at a dumpsite in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was overseen by the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, who was represented by the agency’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu.
Speaking at the event, Adeyeye described the destruction as a significant step in the agency’s fight against counterfeit products, stressing that such harmful goods could cause severe health complications, including drug resistance, treatment failures, and even death.
The items destroyed included expired medicines, unwholesome processed foods, adulterated cosmetics, and substandard food additives seized by NAFDAC from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
Some of the products were voluntarily surrendered by companies, NGOs, and trade unions committed to ensuring public safety.
Among the most alarming discoveries was a syndicate in Port Harcourt that allegedly re-validated and reintroduced expired alcoholic beverages into the market.
NAFDAC, acting on intelligence, raided several warehouses and confiscated the illicit products.
In addition, a separate warehouse stocked with unregistered cosmetic products worth millions of naira was uncovered and shut down.
The operation also extended to other states in the region. In Delta State, NAFDAC seized and destroyed unregistered vegetable oil lacking Vitamin A fortification, as well as assorted counterfeit cosmetics.
In Edo State, the Nigeria Customs Service handed over two 40-foot containers filled with substandard and unregistered drugs, which were also crushed as part of the exercise.
Acting Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Prince Obi Ohia, commended NAFDAC’s efforts, emphasizing that the destruction of these dangerous products would help curb preventable deaths and improve public health.
NAFDAC has vowed to intensify its crackdown on counterfeiters, warning that those involved in the illegal trade of fake drugs and substandard food products will face severe legal consequences.
