The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted counterfeit malaria drugs worth over ₦1.2 billion in Lagos, in what it described as part of a wider crackdown on fake and substandard medicines across Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, the agency confirmed that 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered Malamal Forte were discovered in a warehouse at Ilasa-Oshodi, Lagos. The drugs, disguised as cartons of Diclofenac Potassium 50mg, were illegally imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China and falsely declared as spare parts.
DG Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Fake Drugs
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, vowed that the agency would not relent in its efforts to protect Nigerians from dangerous medicines.
“With the full support of the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC remains committed to eliminating counterfeit drugs and safeguarding public health,” she said.
She revealed that the latest seizure comes amid nationwide enforcement campaigns that have already uncovered massive drug-related violations. Just days earlier, the agency reported that raids in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba generated ₦2.5bn in fines from traders found guilty of selling fake medicines.
Breakdown of Enforcement Efforts
According to Adeyeye, NAFDAC spent ₦996m on enforcement operations, borrowed ₦159m from donor grants, and allocated ₦1.18bn for regulatory expenses, leaving a balance of ₦207m. Over 1,300 security personnel were deployed during these operations, which uncovered expired drugs, unapproved medicines, and unsafe storage practices.
Crackdown on Chemically Ripened Fruits in Gombe
In a related move, NAFDAC also carried out a sensitisation campaign in Billiri LGA, Gombe State, warning against the use of calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening.
The state coordinator, James Agada, explained that calcium carbide-ripened fruits are hazardous, often yellow on the outside but unripe inside, and may leave powdery residues.
“Consumption of such fruits can cause cancer, kidney, liver, and heart failure, as well as permanent skin damage,” Agada warned.
Instead, he encouraged vendors to use safer natural ripening alternatives such as pear and garden egg extracts.
The Chairman of the Fruit Sellers Association, Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, thanked NAFDAC for the awareness campaign and pledged to discourage members from using harmful substances.
NAFDAC’s Digital Tools for Consumers
To further protect the public, NAFDAC urged Nigerians to verify product authenticity through its Green Book app, NAPAMS, and Scan2Verify platforms.
Bottom line: NAFDAC’s latest enforcement efforts signal a tough stance on fake drugs and unsafe food practices. With seizures worth billions and ongoing sensitisation campaigns, the agency is working to safeguard the health of Nigerians from both counterfeit medicines and chemically ripened fruits.