NAFDAC destroys N4.7bn wrong drugs in Rivers State

Some N4.7bn worth of drugs classified as wrong in one form or the other have been destroyed by fire in Aluu dumpsite near Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The bonfire is said to be in a bid to safeguard public health.

Now, the South-South zone of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Friday, February 7, 2025, carried out a destruction exercise of what it classified as fake, adulterated, and expired food, medical, and cosmetic products seized within the South-South zone.

The destruction exercise which took place at the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) dump site Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, was witnessed by the South-South Zonal Director of the agency, State Coordinators of the agency, heads of sister agencies and the media.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Christianah Adeyeye, said the destruction exercise was not just a routine operation that the agency conducts, but it a firm statement of the agency’s unwavering commitment to protect the lives of people from the dangers of counterfeit and substandard medicines, unwholesome food, medical devices and other hazardous regulated products.

Adeyeye, who was represented by the agency’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, noted that the destroyed products, if allowed to circulate, could cause untold harm, including treatment failures, drug resistance, prolonged illnesses, and even loss of lives.

The DG stated that the products destroyed were made up of substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits and other expired NAFDAC regulated products seized by the Agency from manufacturers, importers and distributors.

“Also, up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN) and Trade Unions, to the Agency,” the NAFDAC boss added.

The agency through intelligence gathering and coordinated surveillance discovered, raided, and confiscated most of the products from several warehouses in Port Harcourt.

Read also: NAFDAC seeks death penalty for fake drug offenders

NAFDAC said it was able to achieve this because of the collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Security (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Waste Management Agency, (RIWAMA), the press and other partner agencies.

Ohia Prince Obi, the Acting Sole Administrator of RIWAMA, explained during the event that RIWAMA provided their dumpsite for the destruction exercise because they believe the exercise will free the society of injurious and poisonous substances.

“I am aware also that this exercise will deter those who want to bring goods that are not friendly to the health of the people,” he said.

While thanking and commending NAFDAC for the laudable achievement, the RIWAMA boss pleaded with other sister agencies to follow suit, as RIWAMA is willing and able to provide all the necessary facilities needed to carry out such exercise.

He also expressed delight that RIWAMA was found worthy to host the event, and that the event has given people the opportunity to visit Rivers State and experience firsthand the hospitable and safe status of the State, at a time the State has remained a constant in national news.

This he attributed to the peaceful disposition of Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State which he said has laid the foundation for progress and peace in the State.

Also speaking at the event, the Rivers State NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Ahmed Mamuda, who was represented by his deputy, Suleiman Ibrahim, reiterated the agency’s unwavering support in joining NAFDAC’s zonal office as a stakeholder in ridding the society of substandard and fake drugs that have impacted negatively in the overall health of the society.

He further disclosed that the NDLEA, Rivers State command, also has an exhibit destruction that will take place sometime in March this year, which he said would be communicated to all stakeholders when decided.

He congratulated NAFDAC for the event, and remarked that the destruction means a healthier society in Rivers State.

In the same vein, the representative of the Nigeria Customs Service Eastern Marine Commander, Adeshina Adeuti, said the command would continue to collaborate with NAFDAC to rid the country of substandard drugs.

He asserted that, “Customs is relentless in the fight against illegal drugs and the unscrupulous elements that still bring all these drugs into the country”.

On his part, the Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Sam Anya, who was represented by Superintendent Joshua Oba, commended the efforts of NAFDAC, while stating that the Rivers State Fire Service has over the years partnered with sister agencies in making sure safety is upheld in all parastatals.

“We have been collaborating also in making sure the spread of fire is contained, and every other emergency brought under our control,” he shared.