The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit and substandard products valued at over N5 billion, seized from states across Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The exercise was aimed at curbing the circulation of harmful goods and protecting public health.
The destruction took place at the Angwan Rere dumpsite in Lafia, involving goods confiscated from Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger, and Plateau States.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, who was represented by the agency’s North-Central Zonal Director, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, explained that the seized items were intercepted during routine monitoring operations.
“The exercise ensures that dangerous and fake products do not re-enter the market to endanger consumers,” Mr. Azikiwe said.
He added that some expired and damaged items were voluntarily surrendered by traders, underscoring the importance of collaboration in maintaining public safety.
Adeyeye urged Nigerians to report individuals or businesses producing or distributing fake or substandard products, emphasizing that NAFDAC is steadfast in its mandate to safeguard public health.
She warned unscrupulous traders against engaging in illegal activities, affirming that the agency would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that only safe and quality products reach consumers.
The NAFDAC chief further explained that regulated products are stored and distributed according to Good Distribution and Storage Practices (GDSP) to maintain safety and quality until they reach end-users.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Security and Safety Matters, Usman Baba, lauded NAFDAC’s efforts to cleanse markets of counterfeit products.
He pledged the state government’s continued support to strengthen enforcement and ensure that only genuine goods are available to consumers.
