The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday destroyed counterfeit, expired, banned, and unwholesome pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products valued at ₦20 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The destruction exercise, held at the Moniya Dump Site along Akinyele Road, marked the South-West Zonal Flag-Off Ceremony for the elimination of unsafe products from circulation.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ridding the Nigerian market of substandard and falsified (SF) medicines, illicit drugs, unsafe foods, chemicals, and medical devices.

Represented by Pharm. Florence Ubah, Deputy Director in charge of the Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Lagos, Professor Adeyeye revealed that the destroyed items were seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors nationwide. Some were also voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and trade unions.

“These are substandard and falsified medical products, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits, unwholesome processed food products, food additives, and other expired NAFDAC-regulated items,” she said.

Adeyeye emphasised that the destruction exercise was part of NAFDAC’s continuous strategy to prevent the reintroduction of expired and counterfeit products into the market, reiterating the agency’s unwavering mandate to safeguard public health.

“This is a routine exercise consistent with our mandate to ensure that no expired, substandard, or falsified products — or any other unsafe NAFDAC-regulated items — find their way back into circulation,” she affirmed.

The NAFDAC Director-General also commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing over 25 containers of pharmaceutical products for destruction, describing it as a major boost to the national fight against fake and unsafe goods.

She further appreciated the strong collaboration and support from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other partner agencies.

Professor Adeyeye urged community leaders, health professionals, religious institutions, the media, and the general public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities related to counterfeit or unregistered medicines.

“It is imperative that we all educate our families and communities about the dangers of patronising quack medicine dealers and unauthorised drug outlets,” she cautioned. “This fight against counterfeit and unsafe products is a collective responsibility.”