NAFDAC’s Ongoing Battle Against Counterfeit Consumables: A Glimpse into History and Present Challenges
The Rise of Counterfeit Consumables in Nigeria
There has been a concerning rise in fake products in Nigeria recently, spanning from counterfeit wines, spirits, and whiskeys to fake Hollandia yogurts, pet Coke, Fanta, Pepsi, and even fake palm oil infiltrating the markets. Despite numerous reports highlighting this surge in fake consumables, especially beverages, concrete eradication efforts were lacking until a recent intervention in Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market) in Aba, Abia State.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), led by the DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, took a decisive step by raiding over 240 shops-turned-factories engaged in the production and marketing of harmful counterfeit products. The estimated street value of the confiscated goods reached a staggering 750 million naira. While the commendable effort to tackle counterfeit drinks following an intelligent tip-off is noteworthy, questions arise about the adequacy of the punitive measures given the severe consequences of consuming these counterfeit consumables.
Counterfeit wines meeting their end during the NAFDAC raid at Cemetery Market
Prof. Dora Akunyili’s Legacy in the Fight Against Fake Drugs
Reflecting on the current scenario brings to mind the early 2000s when Nigeria faced a similar scare related to fake drugs and consumables. During that period, Prof. Dora Akunyili, a matriarch and an iconic figure of blessed memory, engaged in a relentless battle against counterfeiting cartels. Her administration was marked by threats, including a planned arson that resulted in the loss of her house and office. Despite facing bullets during a raid on her convoy, she intensified her war against fake drugs and consumables, leading to a significant reduction in their prevalence—from 70% to about 10%.
Unfortunately, since Prof. Akunyili’s tenure as the Director General of NAFDAC ended in 2009, Nigeria has struggled to maintain the standards she set. Her death marked the beginning of renewed challenges with peddlers and manufacturers of fake drugs and consumables. The recent raid in Cemetery Market, Aba, provides only a glimpse into the extensive network of the fake drug and consumables cartel.
Urgent Need for Severe Punitive Measures and Strategic Interventions
To effectively combat this menace, there is an urgent need for severe punitive measures and strategic interventions. Prof. Adeyeye, at the helm of NAFDAC, acknowledges the health risks associated with consuming these fake consumables. The substandard materials and unhygienic production environments contribute to kidney failure and other health-related ailments.
NAFDAC Destroys N500 Million Worth Of Fake, Expired Drugs, Food Products, Cosmetics, Others
Public Vigilance and Reporting: A Crucial Role in the Battle
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) further links a significant portion of cancer cases in Nigeria to the consumption of adulterated alcohol. Prof. Adeyeye urges Nigerians to consider the 4P’s—place, price, package, and product—when making purchases related to consumables. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activity of illegal producers of adulterated products to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.
As NAFDAC, under Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership, strives to reverse the doom caused by fake and counterfeited consumables, the public’s vigilance becomes paramount in safeguarding the nation’s health. The battle against counterfeit consumables continues, echoing the indomitable spirit of Prof. Dora Akunyili in the ongoing fight for a safer and healthier Nigeria.
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