In a massive operation spanning six months, NAFDAC eradicated counterfeit products valued at over ₦120 billion across Nigeria. The operation, which covered all six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, was part of the agency’s efforts to safeguard public health. In a statement signed by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, assured Nigerians of the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety during the festive season. She emphasised the importance of vigilance, urging consumers to purchase only verified food and medicines from credible outlets.
Recent efforts included several high-profile raids and enforcement actions. For instance, counterfeit and expired goods valued at ₦11 billion were incinerated in Ibadan, while ₦300 million worth of fake medicines were seized at Lagos’ Trade Fair Complex. Other significant busts included the confiscation of counterfeit alcohol and repackaged expired rice worth billions. In Nasarawa, the agency shut down eight shops involved in the distribution of fake rice, while 1,600 bags of counterfeit rice were removed from Abuja markets.
Massive raid leads to closure of shops in Aba.
Moreover, NAFDAC intensified its operations in major urban centres such as Port Harcourt, Lagos, Kaduna, and Aba, where officers disrupted the activities of traders involved in distributing fake and substandard goods. In Aba’s Eziukwu Market, a two-day crackdown resulted in the sealing of over 150 shops and the discovery of large-scale production of counterfeit food and beverages, including items like powdered milk, vegetable oil, and carbonated drinks. These efforts highlight the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health. Adeyeye reiterated that only safe, high-quality products should be accessible to Nigerians, especially during and after the Yuletide. .
Furthermore, the agency vowed to sustain its current momentum and intensify efforts to eliminate counterfeit goods from markets nationwide. Professor Mojisola Adeyeye warned that NAFDAC would take decisive steps to ensure 2025 becomes increasingly challenging for individuals prioritising profit over public safety. She emphasised that merchants of fake and substandard products would face stiffer consequences as the agency ramps up its enforcement activities. Adeyeye highlighted that the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate would remain on high alert, working alongside other directorates such as Pharmacovigilance and Post-Marketing Surveillance to strengthen their reach. These measures reflect the agency’s determination to protect consumers and ensure that only safe, high-quality goods are available in the Nigerian market..
Building a prosperous society through market Integrity.
The fight against counterfeit products is not just a regulatory obligation but a crucial step toward building a healthier and more prosperous society. NAFDAC’s efforts to eradicate fake goods from the market have far-reaching implications for public health, economic stability, and national development. When counterfeit goods flood the market, they compromise the health of unsuspecting consumers, with fake medicines leading to preventable deaths and substandard food products causing long-term health complications. Moreover, these illicit activities undermine legitimate businesses, discouraging Investment and Innovation while depriving the government of Revenue through Tax evasion. By removing counterfeit products from the supply chain, NAFDAC is not only safeguarding lives but also fostering an environment where genuine businesses can thrive, contributing to Economic Growth and consumer confidence.
While NAFDAC’s achievements are commendable, more can be done to strengthen the fight against counterfeit goods. One critical measure is the integration of cutting-edge Technology into the agency’s surveillance and enforcement processes. The adoption of Blockchain technology for product verification, for instance, could enable consumers to authenticate goods in real-time, thereby reducing the prevalence of fake items in the market. Enhanced collaboration with international regulatory bodies could also help track cross-border counterfeit networks. Furthermore, public Education campaigns should be intensified to ensure that citizens are aware of the risks associated with counterfeit products and are equipped with the knowledge to identify and report them. Partnerships with local communities, traditional leaders, and trade associations can amplify these efforts, creating a grassroots movement against counterfeit goods.
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Altogether, NAFDAC’s decisive actions in 2024 mark a crucial step in the fight against counterfeit goods in Nigeria. However, sustained progress will require a collective commitment from all stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, businesses, and citizens. By embracing technological innovations, fostering strategic partnerships, and prioritising public education, the fight against counterfeit goods can gain even greater momentum. Ultimately, these combined efforts will not only protect lives but also promote economic stability, encourage innovation, and ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and thriving market for genuine products. The path forward is challenging, but with vigilance and collaboration, a counterfeit-free society is achievable.