The destruction took place on Friday during the South-West Zonal Destruction Flag-off Ceremony, held at the Moniya Dumpsite.

According to NAFDAC, the exercise is part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health by permanently removing dangerous, falsified, and non-compliant products from circulation. A statement shared by the agency on its website and social media channels highlighted that the items destroyed included substandard medicines, counterfeit cosmetics, unsafe processed foods, and various expired goods.

These products were seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors across the South-West region.

The destruction also included expired and damaged goods voluntarily submitted by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations, NGOs, and trade groups.

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NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, praised the strong collaboration with other enforcement agencies in the fight against counterfeit products. In particular, she highlighted the recent handover of 25 containers of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals seized by the Nigeria Customs Service for destruction.

“We commend the strong partnership with @CustomsNG, especially the recent handover of 25 containers of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals, including a reefer container, for destruction,” Adeyeye said. “This is a clear demonstration of our collective commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians.”

The Director-General also acknowledged the role of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the operation, calling their involvement “crucial” in the ongoing national battle against counterfeiters.

Source: Punch