By Andrew Haruna
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised serious concerns over the scale of counterfeit and banned drugs found in major drug markets across Idumota (Lagos), Onitsha (Anambra), and Ariaria (Aba, Abia State), warning that such illegal activities could “ruin a nation.”
NAFDAC’s enforcement teams recently launched crackdowns on these markets, uncovering massive consignments of fake and adulterated drugs. The agency reported seizing close to 80 truckloads of illegal medicines in Onitsha and Aba alone, with similar operations carried out in Lagos.
“A Threat to National Health”
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, expressed deep concern over the nature of drugs discovered during the operation.
“What we found during our enforcement operations in Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha open drug markets can ruin a nation and reduce the quality of life of Nigerians,” she stated.
Adeyeye warned that many of the fake medicines seized, including those meant for treating hypertension and diabetes, could have fatal consequences for unsuspecting patients.
“If a patient with diabetes or hypertension takes some of the drugs we evacuated, such a person or people can die easily with what we found,” she added.
Large-Scale Seizures and Destruction of Fake Drugs
The NAFDAC boss disclosed that in Idumota, about 27 truckloads of counterfeit medicines were confiscated and subsequently destroyed.
In Onitsha and Aba, the agency uncovered:
- 12 truckloads of Tramadol
- 4 truckloads of Codeine syrups
- Warehouses storing drugs in unventilated conditions
“We discovered these banned drugs hidden in sections of the markets meant for plumbing, fashion, and wood businesses,” she revealed.
NAFDAC’s Continued War Against Counterfeit Drugs
Although the enforcement operation has concluded, NAFDAC assured Nigerians that it remains committed to eradicating the sale of fake and dangerous medicines.
“We will not relent. This fight is ongoing, and we will continue to go after those endangering the lives of Nigerians through fake drugs,” Adeyeye emphasized.
The agency has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies and accredited distributors to avoid falling victim to counterfeit drugs.