NAFDAC destroys N1.8 billion worth of counterfeit drugs and prohibited alcohol in Abuja.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed counterfeit medicines, banned sachet alcohol, and other unsafe products worth more than N1.8 billion at the Kuje dumpsite in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The agency said the operation was part of its effort to keep fake, expired, and substandard products seized across Abuja and neighbouring areas from re-entering the market.

The statement listed the destroyed items as fake drugs, expired pharmaceuticals, falsified products, fake chemicals, banned alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 ml, and other unwholesome regulated products.

NAFDAC noted that some of the goods were seized during enforcement operations, while others were voluntarily surrendered by companies, non‑governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN).

During the destruction exercise, Director‑General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye was represented by Director of Investigation and Enforcement Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who warned that fake‑drug networks now use advanced cloning techniques to replicate genuine products.

Iluyomade said the growing sophistication of counterfeit manufacturers makes it harder for consumers to tell original from fake products.

He also revealed that the agency recently seized several containers of suspicious products that had been falsely declared in an attempt to evade detection at the ports.

Iluyomade urged stronger collaboration among relevant agencies and greater public vigilance to combat the menace.

NAFDAC stated that the destruction exercise demonstrates its determination to prevent seized counterfeit and unsafe products from re‑entering the market.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 ml, warning that traders found selling or possessing such products will face enforcement actions and possible prosecution.

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to avoid purchasing suspiciously cheap medicines and regulated products, warning that such items could pose serious health risks.

The agency also called on the public to report suspicious products and activities to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s call centre for investigation and necessary action.