Fake Drugs in Open Markets Threaten Millions of Nigerian Lives, NAFDAC Warns
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stark warning about the dangers posed by counterfeit drugs discovered in open markets across Nigeria. The agency revealed that its recent enforcement operations uncovered massive quantities of fake, banned, and unregistered drugs, which could endanger millions of lives and significantly reduce the quality of life for Nigerians.
NAFDAC’s Enforcement Operations
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the findings during a news conference in Lagos over the weekend. The agency had launched enforcement operations on February 10 at three major open drug markets: Idumota in Lagos, Ariaria in Aba, and Bridge Market in Onitsha. These markets serve as distribution hubs for over 80% of medications in Nigeria.
Adeyeye revealed that 100 truckloads (40-feet each) of fake, banned, and unregistered drugs and narcotics were evacuated from the markets. The discoveries included counterfeit medications for critical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as banned substances like tramadol and codeine syrups.
Alarming Discoveries
In Onitsha and Aba, NAFDAC evacuated close to 80 truckloads of drugs from the markets and various warehouses where medications were stored in unsafe conditions, including facilities without windows.
“What we found during our enforcement operations in Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha open drug markets can ruin a nation and reduce the quality of life of Nigerians,” Adeyeye said. “If a patient with diabetes or hypertension takes some of the drugs we evacuated, such a person or people can die easily with what we found.”
The agency also discovered 12 truckloads of tramadol and four truckloads of codeine syrups, which were banned for treatment several years ago. These substances were found hidden in unconventional locations, such as plumbing lines, fashion lines, and wood sections within the markets.
Destruction of Seized Drugs
NAFDAC has already destroyed 27 truckloads of drugs evacuated from the Idumota market, with plans to continue eliminating the remaining seized substances. The enforcement operations at Idumota and Aba markets concluded on February 28, while the exercise in Onitsha ended on March 5.
Call for Relocation to Coordinated Wholesale Centres
Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC will not relent in its efforts to curb the activities of illegal drug vendors in open markets until they relocate to coordinated wholesale centres. These centres are designed to ensure proper regulation, storage, and distribution of medications, reducing the risk of counterfeit drugs entering the market.
Implications for Public Health
The prevalence of fake and substandard drugs in open markets poses a significant threat to public health in Nigeria. Counterfeit medications can lead to treatment failures, drug resistance, and even death, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
The discovery of banned substances like tramadol and codeine syrups also highlights the ongoing challenge of drug abuse and addiction in the country. These substances, often misused as recreational drugs, contribute to social and health crises, particularly among young people.
Broader Efforts to Combat Counterfeit Drugs
NAFDAC’s enforcement operations are part of broader efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. The agency has been working to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve surveillance, and raise public awareness about the dangers of fake medications.
However, the scale of the problem underscores the need for sustained action and collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusion
NAFDAC’s recent discoveries in open drug markets serve as a wake-up call about the dangers of counterfeit and unregulated medications in Nigeria. The agency’s enforcement operations have exposed the alarming scale of the problem, which threatens the health and well-being of millions of Nigerians.
As NAFDAC continues its efforts to eliminate fake drugs and enforce stricter regulations, the focus must remain on protecting public health and ensuring access to safe, effective medications for all Nigerians. The relocation of open drug markets to coordinated wholesale centres represents a critical step toward achieving this goal.
