DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has urged the National Assembly to expedite action on a bill to impose more penalties against drug and food counterfeiting offenders.
Professor Adeyeye, in a statement signed by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, said stiffer penalties, without the option of a fine, would discourage perpetrators from engaging in illicit trades.
She restated the agency’s resolve to reduce counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food to the barest minimum and make the illicit trade unattractive to merchants of death in its mission to safeguard the health of Nigerians.
In response to alleged poor enforcement against fake drug manufacturers and sellers of substandard food and beverages, Adeyeye said despite numerous life-threatening encounters and attacks on NAFDAC officers, they have not relented in their efforts to check the nefarious activities.
She urged citizens to assist by providing useful information on the activities of counterfeiters, stressing that “they live and operate in our midst. We should say something when we see something.”
The DG said NAFDAC, having achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification and World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level 3, will continue in its efforts to combat the scourge of substandard medicines and sensitisation activities across the country in the New Year.
The NAFDAC DG disclosed that officers from the Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Pharmacovigilance and Post-Marketing Surveillance directorates have been empowered to apprehend those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs and substandard food items.
She urged the public to adopt precautionary measures before purchasing drugs, food, drinks, or alcohol.
“Buy only NAFDAC-registered drug and food products from reputable and licensed pharmacies, retailers, bars and supermarkets. Be cautious of products sold significantly below normal prices or without proper taxes, as they might be fakes. Inspect for poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes and unusual bottle shapes.
“Check for the manufacturer’s contact information and address. Beware of unpleasant smells, as products smelling like paint strippers or nail polish remover may be unsafe,” she said.
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