The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, adulterated, expired and banned products valued at more than ₦8 billion seized across Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The destruction exercise took place in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Thursday, as the agency intensified its enforcement campaign against unsafe products and prohibited alcoholic beverages.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the development through Joseph Edor, a deputy director representing the agency in the zone.
According to the agency, the seized products were recovered from manufacturing facilities, shops, open markets and motor parks across the region.
Sachet Alcohol Accounts for Most of the Seized Products
Adeyeye said most of the destroyed items were alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small containers holding less than 200 millilitres.
She explained that the ban on these products was intended to reduce alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and underage schoolchildren.
The agency maintained that the small packaging, affordability and widespread availability of the drinks make them easier to conceal and access, raising concerns about underage consumption and addiction.
Adeyeye warned that early exposure to alcohol could damage the developing brain and vital organs, including the liver and kidneys. She also highlighted the potential consequences for academic performance, productivity and long-term health.
Fake Drugs, Expired Food and Cosmetics Also Destroyed
Beyond the banned alcoholic beverages, the products destroyed included counterfeit medicines, expired food items, adulterated goods and unwholesome cosmetics.
NAFDAC said the enforcement operations were part of its broader responsibility to ensure that products manufactured, imported, distributed and sold in Nigeria meet the required safety and quality standards.
The agency also commended security agencies and other stakeholders for supporting its operations through intelligence sharing and security assistance.
NAFDAC Warns Traders Against Selling Prohibited Goods
The NAFDAC coordinator in Nasarawa State, Dr Gyani Stephen, said the destruction exercise was designed to protect public health rather than punish legitimate businesses.
He warned traders involved in selling counterfeit, expired or banned products to stop the practice or face regulatory action.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also commended the exercise, warning that allowing dangerous products to circulate could expose millions of Nigerians to serious health risks.
Crackdown on Sachet Alcohol Continues
The latest destruction exercise underscores NAFDAC’s determination to remove prohibited alcoholic beverages and other unsafe products from the market.
The agency’s enforcement campaign is expected to continue targeting manufacturers, distributors and retailers found violating applicable regulations.
Consumers are also encouraged to exercise caution when purchasing medicines, food, cosmetics and alcoholic beverages, and to report suspected counterfeit or prohibited products to the relevant authorities.
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