…Evacuates 77 Truckloads in Aba, Onitsha, Idumota

…Says Crackdown Aims to Protect Lives, Not Disrupt Trade

…Laments Discovery of USAID-Donated Drugs in Markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive action in a nationwide effort to combat the sale of illicit drugs, shutting down more than 11,000 drug shops across key commercial cities such as Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota. In addition, the agency arrested 40 individuals involved in distributing unregistered and harmful drugs.

During a press briefing in Lagos on Saturday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, provided details about the operation, revealing that over 77 truckloads of counterfeit and illicit drugs had been seized. This included 27 trucks from Idumota, 30 from Onitsha, and more than 20 from Aba. As part of the operation, 3,027 drug shops were closed in Idumota, 4,000 in Onitsha, and another 4,000 in Aba’s Osisioma area, with enforcement efforts still underway.

Adeyeye described the findings as alarming, detailing the discovery of expired drugs with altered expiration dates, controlled substances like Tramadol and Analgin (both banned in Nigeria), and vaccines and antiretrovirals intended for free distribution, including those donated by USAID, being sold illegally. Additionally, machines used to modify expiration dates, as well as drugs stored in unsanitary conditions, were found. The value of the confiscated drugs was estimated to be in the trillions of naira.

In response to concerns from traders, Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC’s operations were focused on safeguarding public health, not disrupting businesses. She urged Nigerians to avoid purchasing drugs from unregulated sources and to buy only from authorized pharmacies.

Acknowledging the challenge of staffing shortages, Adeyeye called for increased government support, stating that the operation involved over 1,000 security personnel. She also highlighted the need for stronger border security, as most of the counterfeit drugs are smuggled into the country. NAFDAC plans to extend these efforts to other states, working with relevant agencies to ensure full compliance. Adeyeye concluded by affirming that this operation was just the beginning, with NAFDAC committed to eradicating the menace of substandard and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.