National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has commenced the evacuation of damaged drugs and regulated products from Borno markets following the recent devastating floods that ravaged Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere local government areas.
The floods, which affected over 815,000 people and submerged many pharmacies and drug stores, prompted NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to order the immediate removal of substandard and falsified medicines from Maiduguri markets.
At a press conference in Maiduguri, NAFDAC’s North-East Zonal Director, Kenneth Azikiwe, said the agency was focusing on sections of the market and areas where regulated products were produced, especially those submerged by floodwaters.
Azikiwe stated, “Our priority is to correct any issues that may have arisen from consuming contaminated products. NAFDAC’s guidelines ensure the safe disposal of compromised products, safeguarding the health and well-being of Maiduguri residents.”
The agency is working with relevant Borno state Ministry of Health and Human Resources and other stakeholders to ensure compensation for affected individuals and businesses, while officers from Borno, Yobe, and other states collaborate to address the crisis through market inspections.
NAFDAC’s swift response underscores its commitment to protecting public health, particularly in times of crisis.
Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, North East Zonal Director of NAFDAC during a press conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
