Manny Ita –
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized substandard and falsified medicines valued at more than ₦3 billion during a series of enforcement operations across Lagos, intensifying its nationwide campaign against counterfeit pharmaceutical products.
Officials of the agency said the raids targeted major drug distribution hubs, warehouses, and retail outlets suspected of dealing in fake, expired, or improperly stored medicines capable of endangering public health. According to NAFDAC, several truckloads of illicit pharmaceuticals were confiscated during the operations, while a number of suspects were arrested for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency would sustain the crackdown to eliminate fake medicines from circulation, warning that the proliferation of substandard drugs poses a serious threat to treatment outcomes and patient safety. “We will not allow criminals to profit from products that can kill innocent Nigerians,” she said, adding that the agency is strengthening surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with security agencies.
NAFDAC disclosed that some of the seized products included antibiotics, antimalarials, painkillers, and other commonly used medications that had either expired, been counterfeited, or stored under conditions that compromised their efficacy. The agency warned that consumption of such drugs can lead to treatment failure, drug resistance, organ damage, or death.
The agency also urged healthcare providers, pharmacists, and consumers to remain vigilant by purchasing medicines only from licensed outlets and reporting suspicious products. It stressed that counterfeiters often exploit high-demand drugs and emergency treatments, particularly in densely populated urban centres.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through sustained enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and stricter penalties for offenders, noting that the fight against fake medicines requires cooperation from the public, professional bodies, and law enforcement authorities.
