The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit drugs, expired medicines, banned alcoholic beverages and other unsafe products valued at more than ₦8 billion across Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The destruction exercise took place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, following enforcement operations targeting manufacturing facilities, shops, open markets and motor parks across the region.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said most of the confiscated products were alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small containers holding less than 200 millilitres.
The agency explained that the products were seized during routine inspections, market raids and operations aimed at removing unsafe and unapproved goods from circulation.
NAFDAC raises concerns over sachet alcohol consumption
Adeyeye said the restriction on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200ml was introduced because their affordability, availability and portability made them easily accessible to young people and underage students.
She warned that exposure to alcohol at an early age could affect brain development and damage vital organs, including the liver and kidneys.
“Research has shown that early exposure to alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs such as the liver and kidneys,” she said.
The NAFDAC chief added that early alcohol consumption could contribute to brain damage, poor academic performance, reduced productivity and several health complications.
She maintained that the agency’s responsibility was to ensure that only safe, genuine and quality-regulated products were manufactured, imported, distributed and sold in Nigeria.
Fake drugs and unsafe food also among seized products
Beyond banned alcoholic beverages, the products destroyed included expired and counterfeit medicines, contaminated food items, adulterated products and substandard cosmetics.
NAFDAC said the enforcement exercise formed part of its broader efforts to protect consumers from dangerous products and prevent the circulation of goods that fail to meet regulatory standards.
The agency also acknowledged the support of security organisations and other stakeholders, particularly in intelligence gathering and providing security during raids and confiscation operations.
NDLEA warns about the dangers of illicit products
Representing the Nasarawa State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Daniel Saidu, Yakubu Awoh commended NAFDAC for its enforcement activities.
Awoh warned that the low prices and easy availability of harmful products could encourage substance abuse, particularly among young people.
He said destroying the seized goods was an important public health intervention because allowing them to reach consumers could expose more Nigerians to serious health risks.
The Nasarawa State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr Stephen Gyani, also stressed the importance of preventing counterfeit and toxic medicines from reaching consumers.
He warned traders involved in selling fake and banned products to stop the practice or face legal consequences.
NAFDAC strengthens crackdown on unsafe products
The latest destruction exercise highlights the agency’s continued efforts to tackle counterfeit medicines, banned alcoholic beverages and other unapproved consumer products across Nigeria.
By working with security agencies and other government institutions, NAFDAC aims to strengthen enforcement and prevent unsafe goods from reaching markets and households.
The agency’s action also draws attention to the risks associated with the availability of cheap, unregulated products, particularly those that can expose children and young people to substance abuse.
