To protect public health in Rivers State, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed fake, expired, and substandard drugs worth N4.7 billion on Thursday.
The destruction took place at the Rivers State Waste Management Authority (RIWAMA) Dumpsite in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, where the harmful substances were set ablaze.
This exercise, which began yesterday, is part of ongoing efforts to combat contraband drugs across six South-South states.
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Speaking on behalf of the Director-General, the South-South Director of NAFDAC, Chukwuemeka Oligbu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling the menace of fake drugs.
“The products being destroyed during this exercise are made up of Substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits, and other expired NAFDAC regulated products seized by the agency from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
“Also, up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), and trade unions, to the agency,” he added.
Oligbu urged the public to report suspicious pharmaceutical activities and unsafe products, emphasizing the need for collaboration between NAFDAC, pharmacists, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders.
The destruction exercise was carried out in partnership with other agencies and security operatives.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from substandard and falsified medical products.
