Flowerbud News

Tag: NAFDAC

  • Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    (NAFDAC DG. Prof Mojisola Adeyeye)

     

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    Lagos:  , Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday handed over expired pharmaceutical products valued at N3.77 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, in Lagos.

    (Picture of some of the expired pharmaceutical products handed over to NAFDAC by FOU Zone ‘A’ in Lagos on Tuesday)

     

    Abdullahi said that the handover took place during a visit by the new NAFDAC Director of Enforcement and Investigation, Dr Martin Iluyomade, to FOU Zone ‘A’ on Aug. 25.

    The Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to upholding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NCS and NAFDAC.

    This, he described as a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against fake and counterfeit products.

    (Some of the Management staff of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ and officials of the National FOU Zone ‘A’ hands over N3.7bn expired pharmaceutical to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NADAC) visited the Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone ‘A’ in Lagos on Tuesday)5

    “What we are witnessing today is a follow-up to the MoU between the two agencies.

    “This MoU emphasises the importance of collaboration among regulatory and security agencies to continuously thwart the smuggling and importation of harmful consignments,” he said.

    Shu’aibu disclosed that three trucks loaded with various expired pharmaceutical products were handed over. The items, packed in sacks and cartons, included Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, Really Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, among others.

    “The wide range of these products poses serious risks to public health if not properly regulated.

    “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the expired pharmaceuticals stands at N3.77 billion,” he added.

    He stressed that the Service remained committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines in Nigeria and that expired products would be handled with utmost seriousness.

    According to him, the handover is not a one-off event, as more consignments will be transferred to NAFDAC after ongoing investigations.

    He further assured Nigerians that Customs would continue to prioritise public health by preventing expired and counterfeit drugs from circulating in markets.

    Receiving the consignments on behalf of the NAFDAC Director-General, Iluyomade commended the NCS for its unwavering commitment to the MoU, describing the collaboration as a strategic partnership in safeguarding public health.

    He noted that NAFDAC would redouble its efforts in combating the smuggling of counterfeit and fake pharmaceuticals.

  • WHO Certifies Nigeria’s NAFDAC as World-Class Regulatory Agency

    WHO Certifies Nigeria’s NAFDAC as World-Class Regulatory Agency

    (NAFDAC DG, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, recording strings of successes for Nigeria)

     

    By Anthony Isibor          

    THE World Health Organization, WHO, has announced that Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has successfully maintained Maturity Level 3, ML 3, in the regulation of medicines and vaccines (non-producing), marking a significant milestone in the country’s public health governance.

    In an official letter to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, with reference number RSS-18-370-42AFRO RSS/AK/DM-cm, WHO’s Assistant Director-General, Yukiko Nakatani, confirmed that the recognition follows the completion of the final phase of the re-benchmarking process conducted between 28 and 30 May 2025.

    The exercise was carried out in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Africa, WHO/AFRO, and the WHO Country Office in Nigeria.

    The re-benchmarking is part of WHO’s Regulatory Systems Strengthening programme, which evaluates national agencies’ capacity to regulate medicines and vaccines effectively.

    Nigeria’s formal re-benchmarking began in November 2024, with five follow-up meetings between February and April 2025 to track the implementation of corrective actions.

    According to Nakatani, achieving and sustaining ML 3 means Nigeria now operates a “stable, well-functioning, and integrated framework” for regulating medicines and vaccines.

    She credited the success to the Nigerian government’s investment in strengthening its regulatory system and emphasized that the milestone bolsters confidence, trust and international reliance on NAFDAC’s authority.

    “This achievement reaffirms the collaboration between WHO and the Government of Nigeria towards realizing the targets of universal health coverage and the sustainable development goals,” Nakatani wrote, adding that periodic reviews will ensure the maturity level is sustained.

    WHO plans follow-up visits within a year and a full re-benchmarking in four years.

    ML 3 is a globally recognised status indicating a regulatory authority’s capability to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of medicines and vaccines through a robust, reliable system; a designation that places Nigeria among the leading regulators in Africa for non-producing countries.

    This recognition further strengthens NAFDAC’s position in the global health space and enhances Nigeria’s capacity to attract partnerships, foster public health innovation and ensures the safety of medicines and vaccines for its population.

  • NAFDAC Seizes 16 Containers of falsified drug products and Unwholesome Tomato Paste at One Port

    NAFDAC Seizes 16 Containers of falsified drug products and Unwholesome Tomato Paste at One Port

     

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Flowerbudnews: NAFDAC’s fight against the influx of fake and substandard regulated products has recorded another major success with the Agency taken delivery of 16 Containers of fake Pharmaceutical Products imported through Onne Port in Port Harcourt .

    (Indefatigable – Tough-looking NAFDAC DG, Prof. Moji Adeyeye taking tough measures against counterfeiters to protect health of Nigerians)

    The confiscated regulated products are estimated to have street value of N20.5Billion,
    and comprised 11 Containers of various Unregistered/Banned Pharmaceutical Products as well as 4 Containers of Unwholesome Tomato Paste,

    They were handed over at Onne Port, Port Harcourt on Saturday to the Director-General (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye by the Comptroller-General (Nigeria Customs Service) as part of the Institutional Collaborative Synergy between the two organizations, a statement by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Media Consultant disclosed.

    The various substandard regulated products seized included 1.3 Million Bottles of Codeine Syrup, ( a highly controlled Prescription-Only Medicine), 12.6 million Tablets of Tramadol, a highly addictive Prescription-Only Drug product used for the management of Post-Operative Pain in Adults, as well as 9.3 Million Tablets of Substandard and Falsified (Branded) Diclofenac Tablets (A Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Prescription Drug used for the Management of Osteoathritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis).

    Other regulated products seized include 280 Packages of Hyergra Tablets, (A falsified brand of Sildenafil Citrate for the management of Erectile Dysfunction in Men) as well as 4 containers of Unregistered and substandard Tomato paste.

    The NAFDAC Director-General commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and his Team for joining the fight against the importation of illicit, substandard and unwholesome products.

    In a clear message to the importers and their collaborators in the illicit trade, the NAFDAC Boss warned ”unscrupulous merchants both at home and abroad, that under our watch, substandard and fake food and drug products will not be allowed access to our people.

    ”Recent threats of death, kidnapping of our staff and other attempts to dampen our zeal will continue to fail, because God, as well as our people are on our side”, She stated.

    Prof. Adeyeye called on all well-meaning Nigerians to partner with NAFDAC by reporting all suspected cases of manufacture, importation, distribution or sale of fake and substandard products through NAFDAC’s offices nationwide or through the Agency’s various social media channels.

    She highlighted the dangers of consumption of unwholesome products, which include: Acute Food Poisoning & Gastrointestinal Illness from adulterants in expired food products; Nutritional Deficiencies & Undermined Food Value; Chronic Organ Damage from toxic metabolites and heavy metals in expired food;

    Others are, Increased Cancer Risk from expired colorants, dyes and preservatives; Allergic & Respiratory Reactions from hidden allergens or artificial additives as well as Food Addiction & Cognitive Disruption from Expired Ultra‑Processed Foods (UPFs) engineered to be hyper‑palatable, high in sugar, fat, salt etc.

    Emphasizing the need for strong institutional cooperation, she promised to continue to evolve new strategies towards partnering with well-meaning organizations and individuals to build a safer and healthier nation, noting that safeguarding the health of the nation is a collective responsibility which NAFDAC cannot possibly do alone. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

  • NAFDAC begins campaign on safe agrochemical use in Bauchi

    NAFDAC begins campaign on safe agrochemical use in Bauchi

    By Flowerbud News/ The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Bauchi State office, has announced plans to inaugurate an intensive media campaign aimed at raising awareness among users and sellers of agricultural chemicals.

    Alhaji Hamis Yahaya, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Bauchi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

    He said the campaign had become imperative with the onset of the rainy season.

    According to him, the campaign is designed to educate marketers on the importance of procuring genuine and quality products.

    “Part of the programme will also address key issues such as the proper storage and display of agricultural chemicals in markets.

    “Exposing chemicals to sunlight can degrade their quality and cause harmful reactions.

    “Direct sunlight can lead to loss of efficacy, and interaction with heat may pose serious health risks,” he explained.

    Yahaya emphasised the need for grassroots education on best practices and the consequences of improper disposal of chemical containers.

    “We want to educate sellers to the extent that they, in turn, will educate buyers on how to use the chemicals properly, strictly following the instructions on product labels.

    “To ensure broad outreach, NAFDAC plans to partner with the Bauchi State Ministry of Information for effective information dissemination.

    “We are adopting various communication channels, including radio stations, to reach wider audiences, especially farmers in rural communities,” he added.

    The coordinator also mentioned that a sensitisation exercise had earlier been conducted in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) at the Soro Weekly Market in Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

    He said the exercise targeted major marketers and buyers and generated valuable feedback on the use of agricultural chemicals by local farmers.

    The coordinator said NAFDAC also held a meeting with the Forum of Agrochemical and Pesticide Dealers in the state to discuss the registration of manufactured products.

    “We are encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to come forward and register their products with NAFDAC so they can operate legally and safely,” he added.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC Clamps Down on Unhygenic Water Production Facility in Osun, Impounds Machine

    NAFDAC Clamps Down on Unhygenic Water Production Facility in Osun, Impounds Machine

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye)

     

    (Dr. Isaac Kolawole, Director NAFDAC Osun State)

    – Kolawole Praises Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye ”for providing adequate logistics support that is enabling us do our work effectively ‘:


    By Biola Lawal
    Oshogbo (Flowerbudnews): As part of its efforts to safeguard public health, NAFDAC operatives in Osun state have embarked on enforcement operation to combat unhygienic and illegal water producers across the state.

     

    (Dr. Isaac Kolawole NAFDAC Director, Osun State)

    Osun State Coordinator of the Agency, Dr. Isaac Kolawole, who disclosed this in an exclusive interview with FLOWERBUDNEWS in Oshogbo, said that one of such water facility, found operating contrary to NAFDAC hygienic and operational regulations had been closed down.

    ”We impounded their prodiction machine because of the unacceptable hygenic condition of the facility,’: Dr. Kolawole said.

    (Impounded water production machine)

     

    He warned that NAFDAC in Osun was determined to ensure that water producers in the state ”adhere to regulations and must be able to maintain high sanitary and hygenic condition in their factories”.

    Dr. Kolawole said that the water producers were, however, also being sensitised on the need to follow good manufacturing practices to ensure that water being consumed across the state were pure and safe.

    ”We are sensitising them on the need to ensure regular servicing of their treatment plants,” the NAFDAC Director said, adding that the objective was to ensure that their production system prevented  contamination

    He said that during sensitisation visits, the Agency laid serious emphasis on regular removal and replacement of their sand filters to ensure it effectively trapped micro organisms that could endangered consumers if it escaped into the water.

    Dr. Kolawole said that the Agency always insisted that the finished water product section should be detached from the production section as part of efforts to prevent contamination and other possible health risks.

    He warned that the Agency would not hesitate to apply sanctions against any water facility found contravening laid down production rules and regulations.

  • NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against Dangerous Soap, Deodorants,  Cites Potential Danger to Reproductive Health,  Unborn Children

    NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against Dangerous Soap, Deodorants,  Cites Potential Danger to Reproductive Health,  Unborn Children

     

    NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against Dangerous Soap, Deodorants,  Cites Potential Danger to Reproductive Health,  Unborn Children

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians against using certain Dove-branded cosmetic products, citing health risks associated with reproductive harm.

    NAFDAC said in Public Alert No. 018/2025 obtained by FLOWERBUDNEWS that four variants of Dove hand soap and deodorants have been flagged for containing a banned chemical substance,

    The ingredient, (4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), is prohibited in the European Union due to its potential to harm the reproductive system, affect unborn children, and cause skin sensitisation,the Agency disclosed.

    The affected products include:

    Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap – Barcode: 8710447439227 – Made in Italy Dove

    Go Fresh Deodorant (50ml) – Batch No: 9212174 – Barcode: 96137130 – Made in Italy

    Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant (50ml) – Batch No: 9183646 – Barcode: 96022313 – Made in Italy

    Dove Men + Care Silver Control Spray (150ml) – Batch No: 62867LD – Barcode: 8712561255820 – Made in the UK

    NAFDAC clarified that these products were not registered in its database and are therefore, unauthorised for sale or distribution in Nigeria.

    The agency also reminded the public that the importation of soaps is banned in Nigeria under the country’s restricted and import prohibition list. Additionally, soaps and cosmetics are among the items ineligible for foreign exchange through the official market.

    NAFDAC advised importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products,” the alert read.

    The Agency urged anyone in possession of the affected items to immediately stop using or selling them and submit any remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    ‘:Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse reactions linked to the use of regulated products through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms”, it counseled. ( FLOWERBUDNEWS)

  • NAFDAC DG Cautions Public Against Use of a Substandard Folic Acid

    NAFDAC DG Cautions Public Against Use of a Substandard Folic Acid

     

    By Biola Lawal
    (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has cautioned Nigerians against the use of one batch of Juhel Folic Acid 5mg x1000 tablets.

    Prof. Adeyeye, who gave the warning in a public notice, disclosed that the indicted batch of Folic acid was discovered to be unwholesome during the Agency’s risk-based Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) sampling in February 2025.

    The NAFDAC Boss said that laboratory analysis confirmed that the product is substandard was recalled to safeguard the health of the public.

    ”According to the manufacturer, the root cause analysis conducted on the product attributed the issue to low active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) content.” Prof. Adeyeye stated.

    She stressed that the manufacturer explained that the mistake occurred due to a malfunction of the weight adjuster device in the tableting machine. Therefore, the product was recalled.

    Folic acid is used to treat or prevent foliate deficiency anaemia. It helps baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly in pregnancy to avoid problems such as spina bifida, Prof. Adeyeye stated.

    She urged Healthcare professionals and consumers ” to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng’: (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

     

  • NAFDAC Charges Against Onitsha Traders Federally Gazetted, Lawful – Prof Adeyeye 

    NAFDAC Charges Against Onitsha Traders Federally Gazetted, Lawful – Prof Adeyeye 

    (NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye)

     

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    The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has dismissed rumours of extortion or arbitrary sanctions in the wake of its sweeping drug market crackdown, clarifying that all investigative charges imposed on traders were federally gazetted and lawful.

    Addressing the press in Lagos on Friday, Prof Adeyeye, said the agency acted strictly within the confines of Nigerian law during its high-profile enforcement operation across three major Open Drug Markets; Idumota (Lagos), Ariaria (Aba), and Bridge Head (Onitsha) between February 9 and March 27, 2025.

    “Let it be made abundantly clear: every charge imposed was in line with federal regulations and duly gazetted by the governmen.

    “Let it be made abundantly clear: every charge imposed was in line with federal regulations and duly gazetted by the governmen.

    (NAFDAC Operatives on action)

    “There was no witch-hunt, no arbitrary enforcement. These were consequences of clear violations of public health laws,” Prof Adeyeye said.

    NAFDAC had sealed shops, warehouses, and distribution points found to be selling unregistered, expired, banned, and falsified narcotics, some of which had been diverted from donation programmes.

    The Agency reported the removal of over N1tn worth of dangerous drugs from circulation.

    “We cannot allow a system where people peddle poisons in the name of medicine.
    “Our actions were not only lawful, they were absolutely necessary to save lives,” she stressed.

    “To regularise their operations, violators were issued investigative charges, including N5m for the sale of unregistered products (reduced to N200,000 after appeals), and
    N2m for breach of Good Storage and Distribution Practices (reduced to ₦500,000).

    “These fines were not invented by NAFDAC overnight.

    They are rooted in official policy. The reductions were granted in good faith after careful consideration of appeals. This is a system based on fairness and legality.”

    She added that following the operation, the Ogbogwu market in Onitsha was officially reopened on 9th March 2025, and over 2,500 traders with 3,500 shops who complied with NAFDAC’s conditions had resumed full activity.
    “Let it be known: there is unconditional reopening for those who comply with our regulations.

    “We are not shutting businesses down permanently, we are restructuring the system for safety and accountability,” she said.

    The Ogbogwu market, notoriously dubbed the epicentre of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in West Africa, had been under NAFDAC’s radar for years.
    Adeyeye noted that the Agency could no longer “turn a blind eye” to the widespread circulation of lethal drugs, which have contributed to

    Fake antihypertensives, expired antibiotics, and illegal narcotics have no place in our healthcare system.

    “We will continue to root them out market by market, warehouse by warehouse, until Nigeria is free of killer drugs.”

    Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of all medical products used by Nigerians and pledged to sustain surveillance and enforcement across the country.


    “This is about saving lives. We cannot afford to lose more pregnant women, children, or chronically ill patients to counterfeit medicine. This is our mandate, and we will not relent.”

  • NAFDAC  Zonal Director Visits Onitsha, Confirms Drug Market Open, Operating + Video

    NAFDAC  Zonal Director Visits Onitsha, Confirms Drug Market Open, Operating + Video

     

     

    –  Contrary to the allegations, the market was officially reopened on March 9, 2025, with over 2,500 traders on

     

    (NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, looking tough –  pledges more assaults on counterfeiters, says they are ”agents of death”)

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews:  The Director, South East Zone of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Martins Iluyomade has visited the Ogbu-Ogwu drug market Onitsha to confirm that the market has been re-opened for business since March 9.

    NAFDAC disclosed on its official X handle:

    Today, the Director, South-East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade visited the Ogbu-Ogwu drug market in Onitsha to verify claims that the market was still not open for business.

    Contrary to the allegations, the market was officially reopened on March 9, 2025, and over 2,500 traders…

    …and 3,500 shops are operating under regulatory supervision.

    A small number of shops remain sealed, as their owners, linked to the sale of banned narcotics, have yet to present themselves for verification and regulatory clearance.

    NAFDAC will continue to enforce existing laws, ensure full compliance, and identify and prosecute violators.

    Law-abiding traders are encouraged to continue their operations as the Agency remains resolute in ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of all regulated products.

    @ Ogbu-Ogwu drug market Onitsha to see things for himself against the allegations that the market is still not yet open for business