The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, expired, banned and substandard products valued at ₦20 billion following a major enforcement sweep across the South-West.
The destruction exercise, conducted at the Moniya Dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State, marks a renewed push by the agency to remove unsafe and falsified products from circulation and protect public health.
Massive Haul of Dangerous Products Destroyed
The items destroyed included:
- Counterfeit and substandard medicines
- Expired and unsafe processed foods
- Fake cosmetics
- Banned or contaminated products seized from manufacturers, importers and distributors
NAFDAC stated that the operation also encompassed expired or damaged goods voluntarily submitted by compliant organisations, NGOs, and trade groups.
According to the agency, the objective is to ensure that harmful products are not only seized but permanently eliminated to prevent their return to the market.
Customs Hands Over 25 Containers of Fake Pharmaceuticals
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, commended the strong inter-agency collaboration that enabled the crackdown.
She noted the recent handover of 25 containers of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals, including a refrigerated container, by the Nigeria Customs Service for destruction.
“Partnerships with law enforcement and regulatory institutions remain central to our national fight against counterfeiters,” Adeyeye said.
Security Agencies Strengthen Anti-Counterfeiting Efforts
The DG also acknowledged support from the:
- Nigeria Police Force
- Nigerian Army
- Department of State Services (DSS)
- Pharmacists Council of Nigeria
- National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
She said these agencies have been instrumental in intelligence-driven raids, seizures and joint operations that continue to disrupt counterfeit distribution networks nationwide.
More Enforcement Exercises to Follow Nationwide
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying surveillance, tightening border controls and enforcing stricter compliance to protect consumers and strengthen trust in regulated products.
The agency said similar destruction exercises will take place in other regions as part of its expanded nationwide enforcement strategy.
