NAFDAC Destroys ₦5bn Worth of Counterfeit, Expired Products in Nasarawa

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed counterfeit, expired and substandard products valued at over ₦5 billion in Nasarawa State as part of efforts to protect Nigerians from harmful consumer goods.

The items, which were seized from Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger and Plateau states, were dismantled and set ablaze on Thursday at the Angwan Rere dumpsite in Lafia.

Speaking at the exercise, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, represented by the North-Central Zonal Director, Kenneth Azikiwe, said the products were confiscated during routine surveillance and enforcement operations across the zone.

According to her, the destruction was carried out to ensure that the seized items do not re-enter the market or pose further risks to public health.

Adeyeye disclosed that some of the products were voluntarily surrendered by traders who discovered that they were expired or compromised.

She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report individuals or companies involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods.

The NAFDAC boss warned that the agency would continue to intensify its crackdown on counterfeiters, stressing that the protection of public health remains non-negotiable.

“We will not rest on our oars nor leave any stone unturned in ensuring that only safe and effective products reach consumers,” she said.

She further explained that all NAFDAC-regulated products must be stored and distributed in line with Good Distribution and Storage Practices to maintain their quality up to the point of sale.

Also speaking, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Security and Safety Matters, Usman Baba, commended NAFDAC for sustaining its market sanitation drive.

He assured that the state government would continue to support initiatives aimed at ensuring that only genuine and safe products are available to residents.

Items destroyed during the exercise included fake drugs, expired food items, adulterated beverages, counterfeit cosmetics and other hazardous consumer products.