By Our Reporter
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake, adulterated, expired and banned products valued at more than ₦8bn seized across North-Central Nigeria.
The products, which included banned alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200 millilitres, were confiscated from manufacturing facilities, shops, markets and motor parks across the region.
Speaking during the destruction exercise in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Thursday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation was part of efforts to protect public health and curb the circulation of unsafe products.
Adeyeye, who was represented by a deputy director of the agency in the zone, Joseph Edor, explained that the restriction on alcoholic beverages in sachets and small containers was introduced to address alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and schoolchildren.
She said the affordability, availability and portability of the products made them easily accessible and increased the risk of misuse.
According to her, research has shown that early exposure to alcohol can damage the brain and vital organs, including the liver and kidneys.
Adeyeye warned that alcohol abuse among young people could contribute to impaired brain development, poor academic performance, reduced productivity and various illnesses.
She added that concerns over addiction and the harmful effects of alcohol consumption informed the ban and subsequent enforcement operations.
The NAFDAC chief said the destroyed items also included counterfeit medicines, expired drugs, unwholesome food products and unsafe cosmetics.
She commended other law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders for supporting the agency’s operations through intelligence sharing and security assistance.
Also speaking, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr Gyani Stephen, said the exercise was intended to safeguard public health rather than target businesses or individuals.
He warned traders involved in the sale of counterfeit, expired and prohibited products to desist from the practice, stressing that the agency would take action against violators.
In a goodwill message, the Nasarawa State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Daniel Saidu, represented by Yakubu Awoh, praised NAFDAC for its efforts to remove dangerous medicines and other harmful products from circulation.
He warned that allowing such products into the market could expose millions of Nigerians to serious health risks, including damage to their mental well-being.