The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed counterfeit and unwholesome products worth more than ₦1.8 billion at the Kuje dumpsite in the Federal Capital Territory, according to a statement released on the agency’s official X page.
The exercise targeted seized medicines, banned sachet alcohol, expired drugs, falsified chemicals and other hazardous items confiscated in Abuja and neighboring areas. Some items were also voluntarily surrendered by companies, NGOs, and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria.
Speaking at the site on behalf of the Director-General, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said criminal networks are now using advanced cloning methods to replicate genuine products. He noted that the technique is making it harder for consumers to distinguish fakes from originals.
Iluyomade added that the agency recently intercepted multiple containers of suspicious goods falsely declared to evade detection at the ports. He stressed that tackling the threat requires tighter cooperation among security and regulatory agencies, along with increased public alertness.
The agency said the public destruction serves as proof that confiscated items will not find their way back into markets. It also reiterated its existing ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles under 200ml, warning that traders caught stocking or selling them will face enforcement action and prosecution.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to avoid medicines and regulated goods sold at unusually low prices and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its call centre.
