The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning about the dangers posed by fake and adulterated drugs, following its recent operations at major drug markets in Nigeria. The agency revealed that its findings in markets such as Idumota, Ariaria, and Onitsha could have disastrous effects on the health of Nigerians, with the potential to “ruin a nation.”
NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the shocking details of the agency’s discoveries during a press briefing on Friday in Lagos. According to Adeyeye, large quantities of counterfeit medicines were seized from open-air markets in the cities of Lagos, Aba, and Onitsha. In total, the agency confiscated between 80 and 40-feet truckloads of illegal and substandard drugs, many of which could have severe consequences for patients.
The crackdown targeted dangerous drugs such as tramadol and codeine syrup, which had been banned for sale in the country due to their harmful side effects. These drugs were found hidden in various parts of the markets, including in sections meant for plumbing supplies, fashion items, and even wood. The discovery of these dangerous substances has led NAFDAC officials to express grave concerns about the health risks posed by such counterfeit drugs.
The agency’s efforts were focused on three major drug markets: Idumota in Lagos, Ariaria in Aba, and Onitsha in Anambra State. These markets are known for the large volume of drugs traded, but until now, the sale of fake and banned medicines had often gone unchecked.
During the operation, NAFDAC personnel uncovered alarming quantities of unsafe drugs that could harm people if consumed, particularly those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Adeyeye warned that a person with such conditions who unknowingly takes counterfeit medicines could face serious health complications, including death.
“What we found during our enforcement operations in Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha open drug markets can ruin a nation and reduce the quality of life of Nigerians,” Adeyeye said, emphasizing the grave danger posed by these drugs. “If a patient with diabetes or hypertension takes some of the drugs we evacuated, such a person or people can die easily with what we found.”
The operation also revealed that several of the seized drugs were being stored in unsafe conditions. In Onitsha and Aba, the agency found warehouses where medicines were kept without proper ventilation, making them even more dangerous for human consumption.
As part of the enforcement operation, NAFDAC destroyed large quantities of the counterfeit drugs it had seized. In Idumota market alone, the agency destroyed between 27 and 40-feet truckloads of fake medicines. Adeyeye noted that while the operation had concluded, the agency would continue to work tirelessly to remove fake and substandard drugs from the market.
The drugs seized included significant amounts of tramadol, a powerful painkiller, and codeine syrup, which has been widely abused in Nigeria in recent years. Both substances are highly regulated and have been banned for non-medical use due to their potential for addiction and harm. Despite the bans, these drugs continue to circulate in the markets, with some being sold under the counter or hidden among other goods.
“The drugs we found in the markets are not just dangerous, but they are also illegal. They are harmful to the health of Nigerians and have no place in our country,” Adeyeye added. “We discovered 12 truckloads of tramadol and four truckloads of codeine syrups that were banned for treatment some years ago, but they were found in the plumbing line, fashion line, and wood section in the market.”
The risks of consuming fake and substandard drugs are significant, and the potential harm is not limited to the direct physical effects of the drugs themselves. The public health impact of counterfeit medicines is far-reaching, contributing to the spread of drug-resistant diseases and making treatment for common ailments more difficult and costly.
Dr. Adeyeye also stressed that counterfeit drugs can worsen the health of vulnerable groups, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses. With millions of Nigerians relying on medications to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and malaria, the presence of fake drugs in the market poses a major threat to public health.
The impact of counterfeit drugs is not only a matter of personal health but also a significant challenge to the overall healthcare system in Nigeria. By flooding the market with fake drugs, criminal networks undermine the trust of the public in the healthcare system and make it more difficult for genuine pharmaceutical companies to thrive.
While the latest operation has ended, NAFDAC has made it clear that it will not rest in its efforts to combat the spread of fake and substandard medicines. The agency’s focus will remain on cracking down on illicit drug trade networks and ensuring that dangerous drugs do not reach Nigerian consumers.
“We have already destroyed 27 40-feet truckloads of drugs we evacuated from Idumota market,” Adeyeye revealed. “This is just the beginning. NAFDAC will continue to enforce its regulations to ensure that the health of Nigerians is protected.”
The agency has also urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medicines and to report any suspicious activities related to the sale of fake drugs. NAFDAC has pledged to work closely with other government agencies, law enforcement, and stakeholders to strengthen the fight against counterfeit drugs and protect the health and safety of Nigerians.
Nigeria has long struggled with the problem of counterfeit drugs. The country is one of the largest markets for fake and substandard medicines in Africa, and the government has been under pressure to address the growing issue. Fake drugs are often smuggled into the country through porous borders and are sold in street markets or unregulated pharmacies, making them difficult to track and control.
The rise of drug abuse, particularly among young people, has also been a major contributor to the problem. Drugs like tramadol and codeine syrup are often sold illegally and consumed recreationally, despite their harmful effects.
The Nigerian government has taken steps to combat the problem, but more work is needed. NAFDAC’s recent operations highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance and enforcement in tackling the counterfeit drug trade.
In light of the alarming discoveries, NAFDAC has called for stronger collaboration with other stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including pharmaceutical companies, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. The agency is also encouraging Nigerians to be more proactive in seeking out licensed pharmacies and to be cautious when purchasing over-the-counter medications.
With fake drugs continuing to pose a serious threat to public health, it is clear that Nigeria faces a long road ahead in the battle against counterfeit medicines. However, with stronger enforcement and increased awareness, there is hope that the country can overcome this challenge and protect the health and well-being of its people.
