NAFDAC Crackdowns on Counterfeit Drugs Nationwide

In a move to flush out counterfeit and substandard medicines out of the system, NAFDAC has launched a nationwide enforcement exercise across Nigeria. This has led to the closure of major markets including Idumota Market in Lagos, Onitsha and Aba Markets. These markets are notorious for the distribution of fake and unregistered drugs.

During the operation, NAFDAC officials sealed over 5,000 shops, warehouses and packaging facilities dealing in counterfeit, expired and substandard drugs. At Idumota Market, shop owners cooperated with inspections while armed security men maintained order. The agency impounded 7 fully loaded trucks with suspected fake drugs, expired medications and products with unauthorized images.

In Anambra State, 12 persons were arrested at Onitsha Bridgehead drug market, also known as Ogbo Ogwu, while trying to remove unwholesome drugs from their shops during NAFDAC’s mop-up exercise.

NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the agency is committed to protecting public health by taking counterfeit drugs out of circulation. She said the agency’s approach is multi-faceted including regulatory measures, technological interventions and collaboration with other government agencies to address the national security threat posed by fake drugs.

The agency made lots of progress in the last 6 months. It was able to impound and destroy products worth over ₦120 billion between the span of July and December 2024. It also found a major depot for expired and fake drugs in Abia State.

While the agency is supposed to protect consumers from fake drugs, their action also raises concerns on the livelihood of those who trade in these markets. NAFDAC encourages the public to support its efforts by reporting unwholesome manufacturers and distributors to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt action.

As NAFDAC intensifies the nationwide crackdown, the agency is committed to ensuring only safe, efficacious and quality medicines are available to Nigerians, to protect public health and rebuild public confidence in the pharmaceutical supply chain.