NAFDAC DG Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, expired, banned, and unwholesome products valued at over ₦8 billion seized across states in the North-Central geopolitical zone.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, disclosed this on Thursday during the public destruction exercise held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Represented by the agency’s North-Central Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Edor, Adeyeye revealed that the destroyed items were confiscated from manufacturing plants, retail outlets, open markets, and motor parks.
A significant portion of the confiscated items comprised banned alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles under 200 millilitres.
Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC enforced the ban on small-quantity alcohol packaging to curb rising substance abuse among youths and underage schoolchildren.
“Research has shown that early exposure to alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. The affordability, availability, and portability of these sachets make them highly susceptible to abuse by young people,” Adeyeye said.
She warned that early alcohol consumption impairs brain development, hurts academic performance, lowers workplace productivity, and leads to chronic health conditions.
Key Breakdown of Seized Goods
The items set ablaze during the exercise included:
Banned Alcohol Products: Sachet drinks and glass bottles under 200 ml.
Fake and Expired Pharmaceuticals: Unapproved, counterfeit, and substandard medications.
Unwholesome Food Items: Substandard and expired processed foods.
Cosmetics: Illegal and adulterated personal care products.
Dr. Gyani Stephen, NAFDAC Coordinator for Nasarawa State, clarified that the destruction exercise was strictly aimed at safeguarding public health rather than undermining businesses.
He warned traders and distributors engaged in selling fake or banned items to desist immediately or face prosecution.
Commending NAFDAC’s enforcement drive, Commander Saidu Daniel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) represented by Yakubu Awoh noted that preventing the circulation of these dangerous products protected millions of lives and prevented widespread mental health issues in the region. (NAN)
