NAFDAC Burns N2.5bn Worth of Counterfeit Products In Enugu

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has burnt counterfeit products worth N2.5bn in Enugu state, Neusroom learn.

The destruction exercise was carried out by the Agency on Thursday.

The counterfeit products which included rice and assorted drinks were confiscated in earlier raids across all five South East States of the federation.

While speaking at the Enugu State Waste Management Authority Dump Site, venue for the destruction of the products, NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, advised dealers of these counterfeit products to desist from the practice.

The DG who was represented by Mr. Iluyomade Martins, the South East Zonal Director, revealed that the products had “a street value of N2,664,548,683.33.”

“The destroyed products had a street value of N2,664,548,683.33 and could have compromised the health of over three million people, increased health burdens, and poverty rates,” Mr. Iluyomade Martins disclosed.

The DG assured that the agency was on top of the matter in safeguarding Nigerians from these fake products.

“These products would have compromised the health of over three million people. They would have increased the health burden on our already overstretched health institutions. They would have also increased the poverty rate by making people spend money they should use to improve their livelihoods on medical trips.

“This event today is to signal to the people of the south east that it is no longer business as usual to merchants of death who are hell bent on destroying other people for their own selfish economic gain,” the DG noted.

Adeyeye was quick to point out that the success of the raids was only made possible by the collaboration of its sister agencies and other relevant bodies.

“NAFDAC will not rest on its oars until every household in Nigeria can buy any regulated product without fear of substandard and adulteration or fake,” she added.

“We enjoin the public to join us in this fight by reporting unscrupulous manufacturers and business men who engage in illicit practises to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt investigation.

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“The visions of the agency is to be a World Class Regulator that ensures availability of quality and safe Food, Drugs, and other Regulated Products. The mission of the agency is to protect and promote the public health by instituting an effective and efficient regulatory system that ensures only the right quality food, drugs and other regulated products are manufactured, exported, Imported, advertised, distributed, sold, and used.

“The current administration is fully committed to the fulfilment of the vision and mission of the agency in other to safeguard the health of all Nigerians. This is being achieved through Implementation of various policies and strategies to make the impact of NAFDAC felt in every family in Nigeria and diaspora where NAFDAC regulated products are consumed.

“The south east directorate of NAFDAC comprises Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Abla states. These states are very strategic to achieving the mandate of NAFDAC. 

“Several raids and routine activity has led to the confiscation of several fake, substandard, falsified, adulterated and spurious foods, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals and other regulated consignments that are very injurious to the health of Nigerians and especially to the people of South-East,” she said.

Adeyeye wondered why the huge monies used in embarking on the production of these counterfeit products could not have been directed to other legitimate ventures.