The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully disposed of unwholesome, prohibited, counterfeit, and adulterated goods valued at nearly Eight Billion Naira, which were seized during enforcement operations across the North Central Zone.
The destruction exercise was carried out on Thursday during the North Central Zonal Destruction of NAFDAC regulated products in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, represented by the Deputy Director in charge of North Central Zone, Mr. Joseph Edor, said the bulk of the destroyed products were predominantly banned alcoholic beverages in low volumes of less than 200ml (20cl).
Prof. Adeyeye explained that studies by researchers have shown that due to the availability, affordability and portability of such pack sizes, they have become major products of abuse and addiction among Nigerians, especially youths and underage school children.
She noted that research has also shown that early exposure to alcohol affects the brain and other vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, stymies the brain resulting in mental retardation and brain damage, which in turn leads to poor performance of pupils and students in school, low productivity and several illnesses.
She said, “It was based on these abuses, addiction and adverse effects that the Agency banned the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET and glass bottles below 200ml, hence the raid and confiscation from manufacturing outfits, sales outlets, markets and motor parks.”
Other products destroyed include expired, fake and unwholesome food, drugs and cosmetics confiscated during daily operations.
She said in order to achieve the mandate, the Agency through its officers carries out inspections, investigations, enforcement, product registration and laboratory analysis.
The DG appreciated other law enforcement organizations, sister agencies, associations and stakeholders for their continuous collaboration, especially in intelligence sharing and security cover during operations.
What You Should Know
NAFDAC carried out a major public destruction exercise in Lafia, Nasarawa State, targeting illicit goods confiscated from various outlets across the North Central region.
- Positive Impact: This rigorous enforcement protects public health by removing dangerous, expired, and substandard drugs, food items, and illicit small-sachet alcoholic drinks from circulation, thereby reducing risks of poisoning, organ damage, and substance addiction among youths.
- Potential Concerns: The sheer scale of the N8 billion destruction highlights the persistence of counterfeiters and illicit manufacturers in the market, posing continuous monitoring challenges for regulatory authorities and economic losses for compliant businesses.
