NAFDAC Vows to Strengthen Drugs Monitoring in Nigeria
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts in monitoring and controlling the use of drugs in Nigeria. The agency’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made this declaration on Wednesday during a special briefing titled ‘Meet the Press,’ organized by the Media Unit of the State House, Abuja.
This announcement follows a recent large-scale raid on three major drug markets located in Abia, Anambra, and Lagos States, where counterfeit drugs worth over a trillion naira were confiscated. The successful operation was carried out through the collaboration of NAFDAC and various security agencies.
Professor Adeyeye revealed that the affected states’ governors were initially contacted by the National Security Adviser before the raid, and the trade unions of the three markets were also duly informed. She emphasized the enormity of the operation, stating:
“The street value of what we have just found will be close to a trillion naira, and this is just an estimate. It may be an underestimate for now, but when we finish the operation, we will have a clearer idea.”
She further highlighted that the counterfeit drugs entered Nigeria through its borders due to the actions of unscrupulous individuals importing expired and harmful medications.
Calling for greater collaboration in the fight against substandard drugs, she stated:
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“These drugs are not spirits; they came into our country through borders and ports. It takes a collective effort, not just NAFDAC and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), to ensure that our drug distribution system is sanitized and free from falsified medicines.”
She noted that NAFDAC has forged strategic partnerships with key agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), to strengthen drug regulation and enforcement in the country.
Combating Illicit Drug Trade and Terrorism
Professor Adeyeye also drew a link between illicit drugs and national security concerns, particularly their role in fueling terrorism.
“Tramadol was literally being rained on us as a country, and at that point, we experienced the peak of suicide bombings in Nigeria. Investigations by the National Security Adviser revealed that tissue samples from some suicide bombers contained traces of tramadol. Illicit drugs significantly alter the personality of users, making them vulnerable to dangerous activities.”
Market Control and Strengthening Regulatory Measures
Looking ahead, the NAFDAC DG outlined plans to implement control mechanisms aimed at addressing the menace of fake drugs. She noted that Nigeria is unique in having an open drug market, a practice that is virtually nonexistent in other countries.
“These are markets where anyone can purchase any drug at any time. However, as part of our efforts to strengthen regulatory systems, we are enhancing market control strategies to track pharmaceutical products throughout their life cycle and ensure strict oversight.”
She further explained that NAFDAC is working toward aligning with global best practices by participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking process, which includes nine regulatory modules, one of which focuses on market control. Achieving WHO-listed authority status, she stated, would enhance Nigeria’s credibility in drug regulation and trade.
“Market control consists of regulatory inspections, enforcement, post-marketing surveillance, laboratory services, and pharmacovigilance. These measures are essential for protecting public health and maintaining Nigeria’s standing in the global pharmaceutical sector.”
With these renewed efforts, NAFDAC is poised to strengthen its oversight on drug distribution, ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and effective medications.
