The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed deep concern over the widespread presence of fake, substandard, and falsified drugs across Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Zonal Director Mrs. Roselyn Ajayi warned that the prevalence of such products poses serious health risks, including death.
During a sensitization meeting in Ibadan with healthcare providers and stakeholders, Mrs. Ajayi emphasized the agency’s commitment to reducing the circulation of these dangerous products.
She stressed that one of NAFDAC’s key strategies is an aggressive awareness campaign, engaging stakeholders involved in the distribution of healthcare products, particularly medicines.
“We’ve shared our findings from the field and communicated NAFDAC’s concerns,” Ajayi said.
“We want to hear from stakeholders as well to determine the best way forward in minimizing the circulation of substandard and falsified products.”
The agency plans to extend its sensitization efforts to religious institutions, traditional rulers, and community leaders, encouraging Nigerians to avoid purchasing unregulated and potentially harmful products.
In support of the initiative, Oyo State Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, advised citizens to buy drugs only from registered pharmacists and verify their authenticity by checking manufacturing and expiry dates, as well as using scratch codes.
NAFDAC’s efforts are part of a larger mission to ensure the safety of regulated products, including drugs, food, and cosmetics, while reinforcing its mandate to oversee the importation, manufacture, and distribution of such items across the country.
