In a decisive move to protect public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a sweeping operation to combat the distribution of counterfeit medicines. As part of this initiative, the agency sealed the popular Idumota drug market in Lagos, alongside Bridgehead in Onitsha and Ariaria in Aba, marking the start of a comprehensive effort to safeguard Nigerians from harmful and ineffective medications.
Addressing journalists during the operation, NAFDAC Director General Prof. Christianah Adeyeye emphasized the critical need for the crackdown, stating, “The essence of this operation is to ensure that when we take medicines, they work. No child should die because the medicine they were given was fake or ineffective.”
The operation targeted illegal open drug markets that serve as distribution hubs for over 80% of Nigeria’s drug supply. NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Shaba Mohammed, stressed the life-threatening dangers posed by counterfeit drugs, urging Nigerians to report suspicious medicines and support the agency’s efforts.
“This is about saving lives,” Mohammed explained. “Bad medicine not only fails to heal but can harm or even kill. It’s time to protect our people and hold those distributing these dangerous products accountable.”
The operation, which involved collaboration with the military, police, and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, has drawn attention to the need for stricter regulation of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. It also highlights the importance of Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) to replace unregulated markets.
While the action has disrupted businesses temporarily, stakeholders, including the Lagos State Medicines Association, have expressed their support. However, they also called for expedited inspections and greater control at Nigeria’s borders to stop counterfeit drugs from entering the country.
This bold initiative underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and effective medications while sending a clear message to perpetrators of counterfeit drug trade: enough is enough.
-Vanguard
