The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, expired, and substandard medical products worth ₦4.7 billion in Rivers State.

The destruction exercise took place at the Rivers State Waste Management Authority (RIWAMA) Dumpsite in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, as part of efforts to eliminate harmful and falsified medical products in the South-South region.

The process of gathering contraband drugs and other unsafe health materials from six South-South states began on Thursday, with the items transported to the dumpsite for proper disposal.

Speaking at the event, NAFDAC’s South-South Director, Chukwuemeka Oligbu, who represented the Director-General, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to public safety.

“The products being destroyed today include substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed foods and additives, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits, and other expired NAFDAC-regulated products seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Additionally, we are disposing of damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), and trade unions,” he stated.

Oligbu urged the public to report suspicious pharmaceutical activities and unsafe products, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between NAFDAC, pharmacists, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders.

The exercise was conducted in partnership with security operatives and relevant agencies.

As the flames engulfed the counterfeit and expired drugs, NAFDAC reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from the dangers of substandard and falsified medical products.