The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), South-West Zone, commenced the destruction of unwholesome and substandard products worth over N20 billion in Ibadan on Thursday.
The destruction took place at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, said that the exercise aims to prevent such dangerous products from re-entering the market and causing harm.
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Adeyeye was represented by Mrs Florence Uba, the agency's Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos.
She said that the products being destroyed included substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics, and other expired products.
She added that the agency seized the products from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
"Also, up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Trade Unions.
"The estimated street value of the products planned for destruction is N20 billion.
"NAFDAC has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the health of the nation is safeguarded, and as such, it is committed to achieving its mandate," she said.
She urged community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to educate the public on the dangers of patronising unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.
NAFDAC also called for public participation in the fight against substandard products and urged Nigerians to report suspicious drug activities to help protect lives and strengthen the nation's regulatory system.
She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing over more than 25 containers for destruction.
She also commended the Police, the Army, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for their efforts in supporting NAFDAC's mission.
"Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians," she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police, NCS, DSS, Immigration, Ministry of Health, among others, were present during the exercise.
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