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  • NAFDAC raises alarm over circulation of counterfeit Aflotin drugs

    NAFDAC raises alarm over circulation of counterfeit Aflotin drugs

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday alerted the public of the presence of counterfeit Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets circulating under the brand name Aflotin 20/120 in Nigeria.

    The agency said on its X handle that the counterfeit product was discovered and reported to the agency by the genuine manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma Limited, from Mumbai, India.

    According to NAFDAC, Ajanta Pharma observed that it manufactured the counterfeited product with batch number PA2128L in December 2018, with an expiry date of November 2020.

    It said the batch was created for Combisunate 20/120 (Artemether 20mg/Lumefantrine 120mg Tablets), with a pack size of 30 x 24 tablets, but had now been counterfeited and was being sold as Aflotin 20/120mg with a pack size of 1 x 18 tablets.

    It added that the overprinted matter did not match Ajanta’s overprinting style.

    The agency said the company had confirmed that the Aflotin 20/120mg with Batch No: PA2128L available in the Nigerian market was a counterfeit, as determined by the investigation carried out and observations made on the product.

    “The genuine Aflotin 20/120 tablet is a combination of Artemether/Lumefantrine (20mg/120mg) and is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite,” it said.

    The regulatory agency emphasised that counterfeit medicines endanger people’s health because they do not comply with regulatory standards, which means the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products are not ensured.

    “The use of counterfeit medicines often fail to treat diseases or conditions effectively, leading to serious health consequences, including death,” NAFDAC said.

    It said all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators had been informed and directed to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products found within their zones and states.

    NAFDAC also advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products.

    It advised that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC Reopens Onitsha Drug Market After Sanitization Operation

    NAFDAC Reopens Onitsha Drug Market After Sanitization Operation

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened the Onitsha drug market on March 6, following a comprehensive sanitization operation that began on February 10. The reopening was announced by Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of Enugu Zone Zonal Operations, during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday.

    The meeting included representatives from NAFDAC, the Anambra State government, and the leadership of the Onitsha market. In addition to the drug market, other affected markets included the Plumbing, Wood, Science Progressive, and Surgical markets.

    Iluyomade clarified that the operation was not intended to penalize neighboring markets, which had unfortunately become major warehouse locations for medicine traders. He emphasized that the closure was necessary to prevent confrontation with traders and was based on extensive intelligence gathering.

    “The discoveries in the market were alarming,” Iluyomade stated, revealing that large quantities of narcotics capable of destabilizing any nation were recovered. “We found fake and counterfeit medicines in over 50 trailers, along with banned drugs dating back to 2007,” he added.

    While the market has been reopened, approximately 4,000 shop owners who were profiled and suspended must individually visit NAFDAC to clear themselves before resuming business. Iluyomade also highlighted the poor storage conditions within the market, which compromised the quality of genuine medicines.

    Iluyomade expressed appreciation to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his support and commitment to establishing a standard drug market with proper storage facilities.

    Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, Chairman of the Ogbo Ogwu Traders Association, thanked NAFDAC for reopening the market and pledged the traders’ cooperation in eliminating fake drugs.

    Dr. Afam Obidike, Anambra’s Commissioner for Health, commended both NAFDAC and the traders for their collaboration and assured continued efforts to maintain the sanitization of the system.

    The reopening follows NAFDAC’s nationwide clampdown on fake and substandard medicines, which included the shutdown of the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ drug market in Onitsha. On February 10, NAFDAC commenced enforcement operations at three major drug distribution hubs: the Idumota open drug market in Lagos, the Ariaria drug market in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha.

    According to the agency, these markets account for over 80% of medication distribution in Nigeria. The enforcement operations aim to eliminate falsified and unregistered drugs from circulation. In Onitsha alone, NAFDAC seized no fewer than 30 trucks filled with confiscated drugs and shut down over 4,000 shops.

    Earlier, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo had pledged support for NAFDAC’s efforts to sanitize the drug distribution system and ensure the safety of medicines available to the public.

    The reopening of the Onitsha drug market marks a significant step in NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit and substandard drugs, ensuring safer healthcare practices and protecting public health.

  • NAFDAC reopens Onitsha drug market after weeks of operation

    NAFDAC reopens Onitsha drug market after weeks of operation

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reopened the Onitsha drug market on March 6 following a sanitisation operation that began on February 10.

    Dr Martin Iluyomade, Director of Enugu Zone Zonal Operations, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting between NAFDAC, Anambra representatives, and Onitsha market leadership on Thursday.

    Other affected markets included the Plumbing, Wood, Science Progressive, and Surgical markets.

    Iluyomade clarified that the reopening was not meant to punish neighbouring markets, which had unfortunately become major warehouse locations for medicine traders.

    He emphasised that the operation was a result of extensive intelligence gathering, and the closure had been necessary to avoid confrontation with traders.

    “The discovery in the market was alarming, with the recovery of large quantities of narcotics capable of destabilising any nation.

    “We found fake and counterfeit medicines in more than 50 trailers, along with banned medicines dating back to 2007,” Iluyomade said.

    While the market had been reopened, owners of around 4,000 shops that were profiled and suspended must visit NAFDAC individually to clear themselves.

    Iluyomade also highlighted poor storage conditions that compromised the quality of genuine medicines in the market.

    He thanked Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for his support and his commitment to building a standard drug market with proper storage conditions.

    Mr Ndubuisi Chukwulota, Chairman of the Ogbo Ogwu Traders Association, expressed gratitude to NAFDAC for reopening the market and pledged to cooperate in eradicating fake drugs.

    Dr Afam Obidike, Anambra’s Commissioner for Health, commended both NAFDAC and the traders for their cooperation and promised continued collaboration to ensure the system remains sanitised.(NAN)

  • NAFDAC to reopen sealed drug markets in Abia today

    NAFDAC to reopen sealed drug markets in Abia today

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration, NAFDAC, will today, February 26, unseal all the sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market and Tenant Road drugs markets earlier sealed by the agency over alleged involvement in the dispensing of fake and expired drugs.

    However, any shop found to be culpable will remain sealed according to government sources.

    The decision to unseal the affected markets was reached after intense negotiations between the agency and Gov. Alex Otti.

    Otti, who disclosed this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said that those involved in the production and marketing of fake drugs would be decisively dealt with.

    The statement made available to Vanguard read: “The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has after prolonged discussions and engagements with the authorities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) at the highest level secured the commitment of the Agency to reopen/unseal all the sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market and Tenant Road Drug Market who have been investigated and proven not to be involved in the production and selling of adulterated, expired and fake drugs including consumable products to the public.

    “The reopening/unsealing exercise will be performed by the NAFDAC Director, South-East Zone on the 26th day of February, 2025. The shops found culpable in the wicked, callous and unholy dealings will remain sealed and under lock and key until the perpetrators are brought to justice or justice is taken to them.

    “The Abia State Government frowns at the practice of producing or selling poisonous substance to the citizens in the name of business and will continue to partner and support NAFDAC until the State is completely cleared of fake, adulterated and expired drugs including other consumable products and the culprits arrested to face the full weight of the law.”

    NAFDAC has been raiding drug markets across the country in a renewed war against fake and adulterated drugs.

    Tens of truckloads of fake and adulterated drugs have been evacuated from Aba, Onitsha in Anambra and Idumota in Lagos.

    NAFDAC has vowed to deal with perpetrators of expired and adulterated products in the country.

  • Prosecute offenders, reopen Onitsha bridgehead medicine market, Reps tell NAFDAC

    Prosecute offenders, reopen Onitsha bridgehead medicine market, Reps tell NAFDAC

    The South East Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed concerns over the indefinite closure of the Onitsha Bridgehead Medicine Market in Anambra State, urging the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to prosecute offenders involved in the sale of fake drugs while considering the reopening of the market.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja, the leader of the Caucus, Rep. Igariwey Enwo, condemned the activities of unscrupulous traders involved in the production and distribution of fake and adulterated medications.

    He emphasized that these illegal practices pose serious risks to public health, leading to the loss of lives, and also constitute economic sabotage, as they operate outside government regulations and taxation.

    While commending NAFDAC for its intervention in combating fake drugs nationwide, the Caucus expressed concern over the continued lockdown of the market, which serves as a critical hub for medications across the South East and South-South regions.

    “The wholesale and indefinite sealing of a market that caters to over 90 percent of the medication needs of the South East and South-South regions may not be the best approach.

    “While we acknowledge NAFDAC’s statutory role in eliminating fake drugs, we urge them to swiftly prosecute those responsible rather than imposing collective punishment on all traders.”

    The Caucus warned that the indefinite lockdown has severe collateral consequences, especially for public health, as many genuine traders and innocent citizens are also affected.

    It urged NAFDAC to:

    Prosecute offenders involved in fake drug production and distribution.

    Reopen the market to allow legitimate businesses to operate.

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    Implement targeted enforcement instead of a blanket shutdown.

    Stronger Border Security Against Fake Drugs

    Additionally, the Caucus called on the Nigerian Customs Service to tighten border security to prevent the influx of fake and adulterated drugs.

    It also urged for a more thorough cleansing of the entire pharmaceutical ecosystem across major markets nationwide, ensuring that genuine traders are not unfairly affected by regulatory actions.

    The lawmakers stressed the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes public health, economic stability, and regulatory enforcement in addressing the issue of counterfeit drugs.

  • Abia govt, traders endorse NAFDAC’s fight against fake products

    Abia govt, traders endorse NAFDAC’s fight against fake products

    Abia State government has promised to collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in eradicating fake and expired products in Eziukwu road market in Aba, popularly known as the Cemetery market.

    The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Kingsley Nwokocha, made this known at the Eziukwu market where he warned the traders on the implications of fake products and re-dating of expired products in the market.

    The commissioner identified fake products as a big menace to society and a danger to people’s health.

    Also, the Mayor of Aba South LGA, Obialor Anyanwu, who was represented by the secretary to the local  government, Mr Gideon Aduka, expressed worry at the activities of  some traders who produce fake products or re-write the dates of already expired products in Eziukwu market.

    He thanked NAFDAC for the war against unwholesome activities in the market.

    In his speech, the interim chairman of Eziukwu market, Alphonsus Udeigbo informed the commissioner that a five-man committee had been set up by his leadership to fight against fake, expired, and re-dated products and the perpetrators.

    Udeigbo equally thanked NAFDAC and the Abia State government for interventions  in  the market.

    The South East zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr Martins Iluyomade, who led the raid, said that many people  usually travel overseas to treat terminal  diseases, some of which could be traced to what they consumed.

    During the operation, shops in some sections of the market were sealed by NAFDAC for allegedly being used to produce fake products and re-dating expired ones.

    Also, fake and expired products were confiscated and destroyed by the Food and Drug Regulatory Agency.

  • 14.3m Nigerians abuse drugs – NAFDAC

    14.3m Nigerians abuse drugs – NAFDAC

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that about 14.3 million or  Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.

    Adeyeye stated this at the inaugural ceremony of the agency’s youth programme, tagged, ‘’Catch Them Young,’’  held at the Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

    According to her, research findings show that one out of every four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offences.

    She said that the arrest included 73 per cent for drug possession, 12 per cent for theft, five per cent for sex work, four per cent for burglary, and two per cent for shop lifting.

    ‘’Note that this data only shows the number of arrests; if we consider that most crimes are unreported, then we will see that we have a huge problem on hands,’’ she said.

    Adeyeye, however, noted the negative effects of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic development.

    She explained that the situation caused NAFDAC to initiate a comprehensive, coordinated, and  intensive programme, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

    According to the DG, drug addiction can rise from both legal such as prescribed medicines and illicit drugs.

    ’’This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have honest conversations with you.

    ’’This will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,’’ she said.

    Speaking earlier, Mr Onogwu Emmanuel, State Coordinator, NAFDAC, Rivers, Mr Onogwu Emmanuel, stated the reason behind the sensitisation and capacity building programme being moved to secondary schools.

    He explained that the secondary students were most vulnerable, adding that the youths, as the future leaders, should actively participate in preventing drug abuse.

    He, however, said that two sch00ls were selected from each of the three senatorial zones of the state for the pilot phase of the project.

    In her remark, the Principal of the school, Gladys Iheumamme commended NAFDAC for the project and urged it to sustain it in order to save the future of the NIgerian youth. (NAN)

  • Customs, NAFDAC sign MoU to combat illicit drugs and harmful products

    Customs, NAFDAC sign MoU to combat illicit drugs and harmful products

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to combat the rising influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and other harmful substances into Nigeria.

    The MoU was signed during the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    Speaking on the significance of the partnership, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, described the MoU as the culmination of years of dedicated dialogue and coordination between the two agencies.
    This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country,” he remarked, emphasizing the MoU includes a comprehensive scope of collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, which involves the exchange of intelligence between both agencies.

    Adeniyi highlighted one of the agreement’s central elements: intelligence sharing between the two agencies.

    “Sometimes, at midnight, NAFDAC DG sends intelligence to me, saying, we learn that a suspicious container may be birthing in the morning. This kind of real-time information flow is critical to our joint efforts,” he noted.

    The customs chief recounted a recent state of emergency declared at one of Nigeria’s ports, explaining that reports indicate the move was merely a scratch on the surface of illicit pharmaceutical products entering Nigeria’s markets.

    He called for a unified response to end the circulation of such harmful items, saying, “It is time for all of us to say, collectively, that this will be the beginning of the end. We are going to save Nigeria and the future of our kids from these dangerous products.”

    NAFDAC DG emphasizes daily impact on Nigerians
    Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, described the MoU as a significant and necessary step, given the daily impact of the products regulated by her agency on Nigerians. “We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items. This partnership is about ensuring that the food, drugs, and healthcare products we take are safe and of the highest quality,” she stated.

    Addressing national security concerns
    Prof. Adeyeye further explained that the threats posed by unregulated and illicit products pose not only public health risks but also national security threats, citing how some approved chemicals could be misused by criminals and terrorists.

    “We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices,” she affirmed.

  • NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a counterfeit alcohol production site on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island, following a public complaint.

    The site, a shop converted into a fake alcohol manufacturing hub, was raided on Monday.

    Assorted counterfeit beverages were destroyed on-site, while packaging materials, empty bottles, and repackaged drinks were seized.

    NAFDAC revealed in a statement shared via its official X handle, that the estimated value of the destroyed and confiscated items exceeds N30 million.

    The agency announced that it has initiated further investigations and advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from reputable vendors.

    It also urged the public to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    Nairametrics recently reported that NAFDAC dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State.

    • During the raid, over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials for fake alcoholic beverages, valued at approximately N2 billion, were confiscated.”
    • Also, the agency has also shut down another counterfeit alcoholic factory in Abuja and Kaduna.
    • While intensifying its campaign against counterfeit alcohol, NAFDAC dismantled an illicit production operation in Lugbe, Abuja about a few weeks ago.
    • The raid uncovered large quantities of fake alcoholic beverages and expired ingredients with altered dates, underscoring NAFDAC commitments to clamping down on dangerous, substandard goods.
    • In the operation led by Shaba Mohammed, director, of NAFDAC’s Federal Task Force and its enforcement teams, the agency seized the counterfeit alcoholic beverages and equipment used in repackaging these products in reused bottles.
    • “This operation is part of a broader effort to target hotspots for counterfeit goods,” said Mohammed. “Lugbe has become a focal point for producing and distributing these fake alcoholic products, with bottles labelled to mimic popular brands and expiration dates altered to deceive consumers. 

      The confiscated products have been packed in residential settings, where counterfeiters relied on imitation packaging materials to produce fraudulent versions of popular alcoholic drinks. Tamanuwa Andrew, deputy director of investigation and enforcement for NAFDAC in Kaduna, reported similar findings in Wuse Market and Mararaba, a community bordering the FCT and Nasarawa.

      “We’ve seen an increase in unregistered herbal remedies and pharmaceutical products alongside counterfeit alcohol,” said Andrew.” Our surveillance is ongoing, with the aim of clearing these products from the markets and protecting public health ”

    • Anthonia Obokoh is journalist with years experience in the media industry, focusing on health reporting. Known for her expertise as a health writer and analyst, she brings depth to topics from public health policies to healthcare advancements. Her work has earned her recognition as a trusted voice in Nigeria’s health journalism field

     

  • NAFDAC, PCN vow to end open drug markets in Nigeria

    NAFDAC, PCN vow to end open drug markets in Nigeria

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) have reaffirmed their determination to eliminate open drug markets across the country.

    Speaking at a joint media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described open drug markets as a persistent problem for regulatory agencies.

    Adeyeye said that the relocation of the open drugs market in Kano to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), has set a standard that should be followed by others
    “The chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria and open drug markets have been a sore point to drug regulatory agencies, especially to NAFDAC,” Adeyeye said.

    She pointed out that the disorderly chain of movement of medicine from the manufacturer to the final consumer is inimical to the efficacy of pharmaceutical products and is the primary cause of substandard and falsified medicines being in circulation.

    “The consequence of this is treatment failure or even death. Therefore, to make Nigerians healthier and reduce mortality, NAFDAC and our sister agency, PCN, must continue to fight against it,” she added.

    A decade-long fight to sanitize drug distribution
    Adeyeye noted that the fight to sanitize the drug distribution system started over a decade ago when the Presidential Committee on Pharmaceutical Sector Reform (PCPSR), constituted in 2003, developed strategies toward the sanitization of drug distribution.

    “The PCPSR recommended the development of National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) as a key strategy to coordinate the drug distribution sub-sector and all operators in the open drug markets in Kano, Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba,” she said.

    The open drug markets in these states were initially given a December 2018 deadline by the then Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, to relocate to the Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWC).
    Adeyeye explained that the CWCs, designed as controlled environments for proper monitoring of drug distribution, are an outcome of the Presidential Committee on Pharmaceutical Sector Reform (PCPSR).
    She further noted that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, who played a key role in conceptualizing the CWC model, remains a strong advocate for its implementation.
    “The National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) provide a clear mandate to NAFDAC and PCN to ensure full compliance and implementation by all relevant stakeholders,” Adeyeye stated.

    She added that NAFDAC and its sister agency would continue to intensify efforts to ensure the establishment of CWC in other states.

    Progress and challenges in Kano
    Also, speaking the registrar of the PCN, Ibrahim Babashehu-Ahmed, highlighted that the CWC in Kano was the first of its kind, established to enhance the regulation of drug distribution and sales in Nigeria.

    Babashehu-Ahmed explained that the PCN is charged with the responsibility of regulating pharmacy practice sites, the practitioners, and the patent and proprietary medicine vendors that use the open drug markets to sell medicines.
    He noted that all efforts to relocate the open drugs market in Kano were resisted, noting that the dealers filed a lawsuit in a bid to stop their relocation.
    Babashehu-Ahmed revealed that a landmark judgment by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Kano Federal High Court on February 16, 2024, mandated the relocation of open drug marketers in Kano to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC).
    He described the ruling as a significant step toward improving drug distribution control and curbing the prevalence of substandard medicines.

    “This judgment is monumental because the control of drug distribution will be better regulated and prevalence of substandard medicines will be mitigated significantly,” he stated.

    Collaborative efforts to achieve global standards
    Reflecting on his tenure since 2017, Babashehu-Ahmed emphasized that the drive to mitigate Substandard and falsified drugs is one of the pillars of my administration.

    These efforts contributed to NAFDAC achieving Maturity Level 3 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT).

    “NAFDAC attained seven modules, while PCN achieved one module (Site License) under the GBT. Both agencies are now collaborating to sustain Maturity Level 3 and work toward achieving Level 4,” he added.