The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, says it has secured 64 convictions in its ongoing crackdown on fake and substandard products across Nigeria.
The agency’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this on Monday while responding to concerns raised by a September 5 publication by The PUNCH about the spread of suspected fake food, drugs and other products in Nigerian markets.
Adeyeye said NAFDAC has intensified raids, seized dangerous products and prosecuted suspected counterfeiters across the country.
She said the agency had moved beyond simply seizing fake products to ensuring that offenders face jail time.
“NAFDAC moved beyond seizures to jail time,” she said, adding that the 64 convictions resulted in prison sentences ranging from one to seven years without the option of a fine.
According to her, some offenders were sentenced to five years in prison for counterfeiting Global Fund Artemether and codeine based cough and cold syrup.
Others received seven year sentences for producing fake antibiotics.
NAFDAC also highlighted several enforcement operations carried out this year.
In February, four people were arrested after the agency seized more than 10 million doses of counterfeit malaria medicines and cosmetics worth about three billion naira at the Lagos Trade Fair Market.
Five people were arrested in Abuja in June over counterfeit cosmetics valued at 35 million naira.
In March, 19 drug hawkers and shop owners were also arrested during enforcement operations at motor parks in Abuja.
The agency said another suspect was arrested following a July raid that uncovered counterfeit health products, including fake Oral B toothpaste.
Adeyeye also disclosed that NAFDAC destroyed more than 1.5 trillion naira worth of counterfeit and substandard products seized during raids at Idumota in Lagos, Onitsha and Ariaria Market in Aba in 2025.
She rejected suggestions that the continued presence of fake products in Nigerian markets means the agency is failing in its regulatory duties.
“The continued presence of suspected counterfeit products in the market does not mean that regulatory surveillance is absent,” she said.
Adeyeye described counterfeiters as “merchants of death” and warned that NAFDAC would maintain zero tolerance for fake and unsafe regulated products.
She urged Nigerians to report suspected fake products directly to NAFDAC rather than relying solely on social media reports.
The agency said Nigerians can reach its call centre on 0700 1 NAFDAC for enquiries and 0800 1 NAFDAC for complaints.
Comments
Add a comment