NAFDAC Destroys Over N55B Fake, Substandard Drugs In Ibadan

NAFDAC Destroys Over ₦55 Billion Worth of Fake and Substandard Drugs in Ibadan

In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, substandard, expired, and unwholesome pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦55 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The destruction exercise, conducted in December 2025, was part of the agency’s statutory mandate to rid Nigeria’s supply chain of unsafe medical products and prevent them from re-entering circulation.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Mrs. Florence Ubah, Deputy Director of the Pharmaceutical Division (Investigation and Enforcement), emphasized that the agency remains committed to protecting Nigerians from the dangers posed by falsified medicines, illicit drugs, unsafe cosmetics, contaminated foods, and hazardous chemicals.

She explained that the destroyed items included falsified medicines, expired regulated products, counterfeit goods, unsafe cosmetics, and unwholesome processed foods and additives.

A significant portion of the products was voluntarily handed over to NAFDAC by more than 70 compliant companies, non-governmental organizations, and trade unions. 

This voluntary compliance was described as commendable, reflecting a growing awareness among stakeholders of the importance of collective responsibility in combating counterfeit and unsafe products.

The estimated street value of the destroyed items stood at ₦55,436,844,470, underscoring the scale of the threat posed by these dangerous goods.

The exercise was carried out with the collaboration of several national security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Their joint efforts highlight the multi-agency approach required to tackle the menace of fake and substandard products.

NAFDAC also appealed to religious leaders, community leaders, health practitioners, journalists, and the wider public to intensify awareness campaigns against patronizing quacks and unlicensed dealers.

Mrs. Ubah stressed that the fight against counterfeit and unsafe products is a collective responsibility, and sustained cooperation is essential to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.

This destruction exercise in Ibadan stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against counterfeit drugs and unsafe consumer products in Nigeria. It reflects NAFDAC’s determination to enforce standards, safeguard lives, and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s healthcare and regulatory systems.