The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out extensive enforcement operations across major markets in Nigeria, leading to the seizure of over 100 truckloads of substandard, falsified, expired, and banned medicines, including narcotics. The operations targeted markets in Lagos, Abia, and Anambra states.

In Lagos, specifically at the Idumota Market, 27 truckloads of such medicines were confiscated and subsequently destroyed. Similarly, in Aba and Onitsha markets, approximately 80 truckloads of unregistered and banned medicines were removed from circulation.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, raised concerns over the sheer volume of illicit drugs, warning that their circulation could seriously harm public health and destabilize society. She emphasized that the presence of narcotics among the seized items could potentially fuel criminal activities, including banditry and terrorism.

The agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Kingsley Ejiofor, noted that these actions were the result of detailed intelligence gathering and surveillance. He highlighted that removing these dangerous drugs from circulation is a major achievement in NAFDAC’s ongoing regulatory efforts.

NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining enforcement exercises across Nigeria to prevent illegal drug distribution. The agency is also calling for stronger collaboration with stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

This large-scale operation underscores NAFDAC’s dedication to protecting public health and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.