Influx of unregistered drugs: NAFDAC urges proper border checks

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has called for security-tightened borders in order to checkmate influx of unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country and ensure strict adherence to provisions made for drug prescription.

The agency said all land borders including Onne and Tincan Island Ports should remain shut as entry points for pharmaceuticals.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Christianah Adeyeye disclosed this at a symposium on the “Problems of Drug/Substance Abuse organised by the University of Benin (Uniben) in Edo State.

Adeyeye attributed abuse of hard drug among youths to lack of due diligence to ensure the integrity of the distribution chain which according to her, has led to illicit channels and traders with little or no knowledge of the public health consequences of codeine containing products.

The NAFDAC Boss who was represented by Edo State coordinator of the agency, Pharm. Esther Itua decried reports of clearance of drugs at unapproved entry points adding: “The concealment and importation into the country remain complicated and poses a serious challenge for effective control”.

She expressed concern that statistics have shown that “there are signs of expansion of market for Tramadol in Nigeria”.

The NAFDAC boss however lauded the “improved collaboration and information sharing amongst regulatory and enforcement agencies” in its recent seizure of large amount of tramadol destined for illicit markets from the Onne port.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Faraday Orumwense who was represented by the DVC Prof. Pius Irihogbe said there is urgent need to address drug abuse in campuses adding that “life is all about human beings and their existence.

According to him, “the more we come together to exchange ideas, break new grounds on a campaign against this life threatening menace , the better we shall be.”