- 13% of Drugs in Nigeria Found to Be Substandard – NAFDAC
- 70% Fake Drug Data Misrepresented, Only Affects Oxytocin – NAFDAC DG
- 60% of Drugs in Nigeria Still Imported Despite Local Production Efforts
- 900 Security Personnel Deployed to Combat Fake Drug Distribution
Nigeria Battles Surge in Counterfeit Medicines
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised concerns over the growing menace of fake drugs in Nigeria. She emphasized that the agency’s nationwide clampdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals is a deliberate strategy to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with drug safety regulations.
Expired and Substandard Drugs Flooding Nigerian Markets
Adeyeye revealed that Nigeria has witnessed an alarming increase in expired and substandard medicines, particularly those targeted at children. “Mitigating substandard falsified medicines is a core part of our national action plan. Our goal is to eliminate fake drugs and protect citizens from harmful pharmaceuticals,” she stated.
70% Counterfeit Drug Claim is Misleading
Addressing reports that over 70% of drugs sold in certain regions are counterfeit, Adeyeye clarified that the figure pertains specifically to oxytocin, a drug used during labor. The high failure rate was linked to poor storage conditions rather than widespread counterfeiting across all medications.
Imports Still Dominate Drug Supply Chain
According to NAFDAC, while 70% of Nigeria’s drugs were previously imported, the country has reduced this dependence to 60% post-pandemic. Despite this progress, a significant volume of falsified medicines continues to enter Nigeria through porous borders. “We have shut down non-compliant local manufacturers, but most substandard drugs are imported,” she noted.
Counterfeit Drugs: Antibiotics, Anti-Malarials, and Children’s Medicines Most Targeted
Adeyeye identified anti-malarial drugs, antibiotics, and children’s medicines as the most counterfeited products in Nigeria. “This is why we have declared 2024 as the year for maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition,” she explained.
NAFDAC Faces Challenges in Border Control and Enforcement
NAFDAC has enlisted 900 security personnel, including soldiers, police, and DSS operatives, to support enforcement operations in major counterfeit drug hubs like Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha. However, Adeyeye emphasized the need for additional manpower and funding to effectively monitor borders and shut down illegal drug markets.
How to Spot Fake Drugs: NAFDAC Issues Public Warning
Adeyeye urged Nigerians to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies displaying the RX sign. “Always request a receipt—if the drug fails, report it to NAFDAC, and we will track the supply chain,” she advised.
Massive Drug Market Raids Underway
The agency aims to complete its operation in Idumota within a week, while enforcement efforts in Onitsha and Aba will take longer due to the large scale of counterfeiting activities. NAFDAC is also working with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to tighten licensing regulations for drug distributors.
Unregulated Over-the-Counter Drug Sales Pose a Risk
Adeyeye attributed Nigeria’s widespread availability of prescription drugs without regulation to a decade-long legal battle between patent medicine dealers and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. “This legal delay worsened the crisis, allowing uncontrolled drug sales across the country,” she explained.
GMO Foods Under Scrutiny
Regarding concerns over genetically modified foods, Adeyeye assured the public that NAFDAC is collaborating with regulatory agencies to ensure proper labeling and safety assessments. “We will not register any GMO product deemed unsafe,” she affirmed.
Call for Emergency Action on Borders and Drug Markets
Adeyeye emphasized that controlling Nigeria’s drug supply requires stringent border control measures and urgent regulatory action. “We must protect our markets and our people—substandard medicines are a threat to national health and security,” she concluded.
