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Tag: NAFDAC

  • NAFDAC warns against use of fake contraceptive pills

    NAFDAC warns against use of fake contraceptive pills

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the use of falsified batches of the emergency contraceptive pill, Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg), in circulation.

    The agency, in a public alert, said the counterfeit versions were detected following a report from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the marketing authorisation holder, which confirmed it did not import the suspect products.

    NAFDAC explained that the fake contraceptives carry noticeable spelling and labelling errors that distinguish them from the original.

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    According to the agency, “The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker of the fake appears smaller, with the word ‘Verify’ wrongly spelt as ‘Veify’. On the back of the pack, the fake bears ‘Distnibuted in Nigeria’ instead of the correct ‘Distributed in Nigeria.’”

    The genuine Postinor-2, the agency stated, is batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023, with an expiry date of February 2027, and bears registration number 04-6985.

    However, two falsified versions have been confirmed — Counterfeit Type 1, batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028, and Counterfeit Type 2, batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027.

    Both fake products also carry the same registration number as the authentic brand, making them potentially misleading to consumers.

    NAFDAC warned that the use of the falsified contraceptives could lead to failed contraception, exposure to harmful or toxic substances, unpredictable side effects, and long-term reproductive health complications.

    In extreme cases, the agency said, contaminated ingredients could trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.

    “Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers,” the agency cautioned.

    It added that investigations into the source of the falsified products were ongoing, while all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and mop up the counterfeit batches across states.

    The agency urged consumers and healthcare workers to carefully verify PIN stickers, report suspicious products, and purchase medicines only from reputable outlets.

  • Fake postinor-2 hits market, NAFDAC warns

    Fake postinor-2 hits market, NAFDAC warns

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the use of falsified batches of the emergency contraceptive pill, Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg), currently in circulation.

    The regulatory agency, in a public alert issued on Monday, disclosed that the counterfeit versions were detected following a report from the Society for Family Health (SFH), the marketing authorisation holder, which confirmed it did not import the suspect products.

    NAFDAC explained that the fake contraceptives carry noticeable spelling and labelling errors that distinguish them from the original. 

    According to the agency, “The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker of the fake appears smaller, with the word ‘Verify’ wrongly spelt as ‘Veify’. On the back of the pack, the fake bears ‘Distnibuted in Nigeria’ instead of the correct ‘Distributed in Nigeria.’”

    The genuine Postinor-2, the agency stated, is batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023, with an expiry date of February 2027, and bears registration number 04-6985.

    However, two falsified versions have been confirmed — Counterfeit Type 1, batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028, and Counterfeit Type 2, batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027.

    Both fake products also carry the same registration number as the authentic brand, making them potentially misleading to consumers.

    Read Also: NAFDAC intercepts N20.5bn worth of fake drugs, toxic tomato paste at Onne Port

    NAFDAC warned that the use of the falsified contraceptives could lead to failed contraception, exposure to harmful or toxic substances, unpredictable side effects, and long-term reproductive health complications. 

    In extreme cases, the agency said, contaminated ingredients could trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death.

    “Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers,” the agency cautioned.

    It added that investigations into the source of the falsified products were ongoing, while all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and mop up the counterfeit batches across states.

    The agency urged consumers and healthcare workers to carefully verify PIN stickers, report suspicious products, and purchase medicines only from reputable outlets.

  • NAFDAC intercepts N20.5bn worth of fake drugs, toxic tomato paste at Onne Port

    NAFDAC intercepts N20.5bn worth of fake drugs, toxic tomato paste at Onne Port

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has, in its ongoing fight against the influx of fake and substandard regulated products, taken delivery of 16 containers of substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products imported through Onne Port and estimated to have a street value of N20.5 billion.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Agency’s resident Media consultant, Mr. Olusayo Akintola.According to the statement, the seized products were handed over at Onne Port, Port Harcourt, to the Director-General (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, by the Comptroller-General (Nigeria Customs Service) as part of the Institutional Collaborative Synergy between the two organisations.

    The consignment consisted of 11 containers of various unregistered/banned pharmaceutical products as well as four containers of unwholesome tomato paste.

    Among the various substandard regulated products seized were 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 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis).

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    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.

    While the Director-General (NAFDAC) commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and his team for joining the fight against the importation of illicit, substandard and unwholesome products, she sent a clear message to the importers and their collaborators in the illicit trade.

    In her words, she “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.”

    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. 

    She also said there was increased cancer risk from expired colourants, 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.

     Emphasising the need for strong institutional cooperation, she promised to continue to evolve new strategies towards partnering with well-meaning organisations 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.

  • NAFDAC charges companies for cost of raiding them, says former NACCIMA president

    NAFDAC charges companies for cost of raiding them, says former NACCIMA president

    Former president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye says the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) charges companies for the cost of raiding them.

    In an interview with Nairametrics on Friday, Oye said regulatory bodies charging fees discourage investments and drive away existing ones.

    “There’s no aftercare after investment in Nigeria from any government agency; they are only looking for funds. Everyone,” he said.

    “Do you know in NAFDAC now, you pay them when they raid you? Go and check. When they raid you, you pay for the cost of raiding you. I can show you.

    “You pay if they come to seal up your factory. You now pay for the police, pay for everything. This is how ridiculous these things are. I think all of them are playing to the gallery.”

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    Oye said new governments turn regulatory agencies into fundraising arms, altering policies to suit their interests.

    He said the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is responsible for both public and private organisations, but government agencies are not held accountable.

    “If you see when they raided our factories, these guys come like they are doing a drug raid,” he said.

    “They seal up the factory, go away with computers, and turn the people to slaves in their own business. That is not the way to grow the economy.

    “That is now being factored into our investment climate, that if I’m going to do business in Nigeria, how much am I going to be held accountable by FCCPC, NITDA, and several others.

    “The one that is even more ridiculous was Coca-Cola. They said that the advert they did was confusing Nigerians, so for that they should pay about $150 million. This is ridiculous. It doesn’t make sense.”

    Oye added that targets given to regulatory agents are driving the issue, noting that it is similar to traffic wardens on the roads who are pressured to meet quotas, leading them to stop people unnecessarily.

  • NAFDAC seizes 10,000 cartons of fake goods

    NAFDAC seizes 10,000 cartons of fake goods

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says over 10,000 cartons of unregistered tomato paste and cosmetic products were seized at Lagos Trade Fair Market.

    The five-day operation was conducted by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement team at the cosmetics section of the market.

    Dr Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, told journalists on Tuesday that the raid was part of ongoing efforts to remove unregistered and harmful products from Nigerian markets.

    He said: “We seized over 10,000 cartons of unregistered tomato paste, as well as cosmetics such as creams, soaps, body sprays, washes, air fresheners and toothpaste.

    “We cannot guarantee the safety of these seized products because they have not undergone any regulatory scrutiny.

    “One way to safeguard public health is to remove harmful products from markets before they can kill unsuspecting Nigerians.

    “I can say authoritatively that deaths from substandard medicines, cosmetics and unsafe foods exceed the number of people killed by Boko Haram.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails NAFDAC on retaining WHO ML3 status for medicines, vaccines regulation

    “This is why the agency remains committed to ensuring Nigerians use only products that have passed regulatory processes, assuring safety and effectiveness.”

    The Director said a newly inaugurated multi-agency task force would boost NAFDAC’s surveillance against substandard medicines and unsafe processed foods nationwide.

    He added that the agency’s partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen border control was yielding results.

    “We are working hard to prevent falsified and unregistered items from entering the country, hence our Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over many seized fake products to us, and we have also transferred some to them,” he added.

    Iluyomade urged Nigerians to use NAFDAC’s decentralised registration process to verify and register their products.

    He reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to ridding the country of unregistered, substandard and expired products.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu hails NAFDAC on retaining WHO ML3 status for medicines, vaccines regulation

    Tinubu hails NAFDAC on retaining WHO ML3 status for medicines, vaccines regulation

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for maintaining the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status for the regulation of medicines and vaccines.

    According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the endorsement follows a re-benchmarking exercise conducted by the WHO from May 28 to 30, 2025, assessing NAFDAC against global standards for regulatory performance.

    NAFDAC first attained ML3 status in 2022, becoming the first National Regulatory Authority in Africa to achieve the milestone for regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing).

    WHO policy mandates periodic reviews to ensure sustained compliance, with the latest evaluation coming after a formal re-benchmarking in November 2024 and five Institutional Development Plan review meetings between February and April 2025 to monitor corrective actions.

    Welcoming the WHO’s verdict, which affirmed that NAFDAC operates “a stable, well-functioning, and integrated framework for regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing),” President Tinubu commended the agency’s management and staff for their professionalism, consistency, and dedication to safeguarding public health.

    Read Also: NAFDAC seizes N20.5b fake drugs, tomato paste

    He said the achievement reinforces Nigeria’s standing as a reliable partner in global health security and pandemic preparedness, adding that it aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the healthcare system.

    The President highlighted ongoing government efforts to upgrade over 17,000 primary health centres nationwide, enhance maternal care and diagnostics in underserved communities, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double national health insurance coverage within three years.

    He further underscored the administration’s priority of promoting local production of healthcare products, pledging continued collaboration with credible partners, development agencies, and donor organisations to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector, attract investment in health-related industries, and expand local manufacturing capacity.

    President Tinubu assured that his government would fully support NAFDAC’s journey towards attaining WHO’s Maturity Level 4 — the highest global benchmark for regulatory excellence.

  • NAFDAC seizes N20.5b fake drugs, tomato paste

    NAFDAC seizes N20.5b fake drugs, tomato paste

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted 15 containers of substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products and tomato paste worth N20.5 billion at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt.

    According to the agency, the seizure was part of its crackdown on the influx of fake and unregistered regulated products into the market.

    The consignment was handed over to the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday.

    In a statement, NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, said the intercepted containers included 11 loaded with various banned and unregistered pharmaceutical products and four containing unregistered and substandard tomato paste.

    Among the drugs seized were 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, a highly controlled prescription-only medicine; 12.6 million tablets of tramadol, an addictive opioid prescribed strictly for post-operative pain in adults; and 9.3 million tablets of falsified, branded diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for managing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

    Other items, he said, included 280 packs of falsified Hyergra tablets, a counterfeit brand of sildenafil citrate used for treating erectile dysfunction.

    The NAFDAC chief expressed appreciation to the Customs Service for its support for protecting public health.

     Adeyeye said: “This seizure is another major blow to those who continue to trade in substandard and fake products.

    “These criminals, both at home and abroad, must know that under our watch, substandard and fake food and drug products will not be allowed access to our people.”

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    She added that despite threats against her personnel, including threats of death and kidnapping, the agency remains undeterred.

    “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.’’

    The DG warned that the dangers in the consumption of those products are real and severe, outlining the serious risks.

    “The consumption of unwholesome products has grave consequences. These include acute food poisoning and gastrointestinal illness due to adulterants in expired food products, nutritional deficiencies, and diminished food value.

    “There’s also the risk of chronic organ damage from toxic metabolites and heavy metals, increased cancer risk from expired colorants, dyes and preservatives, allergic and respiratory reactions from hidden allergens or artificial additives, as well as food addiction and cognitive disruption from expired ultra processed foods engineered to be hyper palatable and high in sugar, fat, and salt,” she said.

    Calling on Nigerians to join the agency in the fight against counterfeit products, she urged the public to report any suspicious products or activities.

    “I call 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 our offices nationwide or our various social media channels,” she said.

    She stressed that ensuring public health and safety cannot be achieved by the agency alone and called for greater institutional collaboration.

    “Safeguarding the health of the nation is a collective responsibility which NAFDAC cannot possibly do alone.

    “We will continue to evolve new strategies and work with well-meaning individuals and organisations to build a safer and healthier Nigeria,” the DG assured.

  • NAFDAC seizes N20.5 billion worth of fake drugs, tomato paste at Onne Port

    NAFDAC seizes N20.5 billion worth of fake drugs, tomato paste at Onne Port

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted 15 containers of substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products and unwholesome tomato paste at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, with an estimated street value of ₦20.5 billion.

    According to the agency, the seizure was part of its ongoing crackdown on the influx of fake and unregistered regulated products into the Nigerian market.

    The consignment was officially handed over to the Director General (DG) of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, in what was described as a demonstration of institutional collaboration between both agencies.

    In a statement on Sunday by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the intercepted containers included 11 loaded with various banned and unregistered pharmaceutical products and four containing unregistered and substandard tomato paste.

    Among the drugs seized, according to him, were 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, a highly controlled prescription-only medicine; 12.6 million tablets of tramadol, an addictive opioid prescribed strictly for post-operative pain in adults; and 9.3 million tablets of falsified, branded diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for managing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

    Other items, he said, included 280 packs of falsified Hyergra tablets, a counterfeit brand of sildenafil citrate used for treating erectile dysfunction.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony, the NAFDAC DG expressed deep appreciation to the Customs Service for its sustained support and commitment to protecting public health.

    Read Also: Leo DaSilva urges NAFDAC to tackle fake drugs, deodorants in Abuja

    Commending the Customs boss and his team for their unwavering cooperation in this fight, Adeyeye said, “This seizure is another major blow to those who continue to trade in substandard and fake products.

    “These criminals, both at home and abroad, must know that under our watch, substandard and fake food and drug products will not be allowed access to our people.”

    She added that despite rising threats against her personnel, including threats of death and kidnapping, the agency remains undeterred.

    “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 said.

    The DG warned that the health dangers associated with the consumption of those products are real and severe, while outlining the serious risks posed by unwholesome food and fake medicines.

    “The consumption of unwholesome products has grave consequences. These include acute food poisoning and gastrointestinal illness due to adulterants in expired food products, nutritional deficiencies, and diminished food value.

    “There’s also the risk of chronic organ damage from toxic metabolites and heavy metals, increased cancer risk from expired colorants, dyes and preservatives, allergic and respiratory reactions from hidden allergens or artificial additives, as well as food addiction and cognitive disruption from expired ultra‑processed foods engineered to be hyper‑palatable and high in sugar, fat, and salt,” she said.

    Calling on Nigerians to join the agency in the fight against counterfeit products, she urged the public to report any suspicious products or activities.

    “I call 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 our offices nationwide or our various social media channels,” she said.

    She stressed that ensuring public health and safety cannot be achieved by the agency alone and called for greater institutional collaboration.

    “Safeguarding the health of the nation is a collective responsibility which NAFDAC cannot possibly do alone.

    “We will continue to evolve new strategies and work with well-meaning individuals and organisations to build a safer and healthier Nigeria,” the DG assured.

  • NAFDAC Kaduna rallies support for breastfeeding, launches sensitisation campaigns

    NAFDAC Kaduna rallies support for breastfeeding, launches sensitisation campaigns

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Kaduna, has joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, calling for the integration of breastfeeding into sustainable health and development systems.

    The week-long campaign, observed annually from August 1st to 7th, is themed, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Systems.” NAFDAC says the theme highlights the urgent need for governments, institutions, and communities to build supportive structures that protect and promote breastfeeding.

    According to the North-West Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Dadi Nantim Mullah, breastfeeding remains a critical foundation for public health and plays a vital role in reducing child mortality, enhancing maternal well-being, and strengthening economic resilience.

    Read Also: Leo DaSilva urges NAFDAC to tackle fake drugs, deodorants in Abuja

    He noted that as part of activities lined up for the week, NAFDAC Kaduna will carry out sensitisation campaigns in churches and mosques across the metropolis, engage the media, and mobilise stakeholders through social media platforms to amplify the message.

    “Breastfeeding is a shared responsibility. By embedding it in sustainable systems, we give every child a healthy start and every mother the support she needs,” Mullah said.

    The agency stressed that prioritising breastfeeding goes beyond health—it requires deliberate inclusion in social and economic policy to ensure long-term impact and community resilience.

    NAFDAC, therefore, urged civil society, religious leaders, media practitioners, and the general public to actively participate in the campaigns and commit to building breastfeeding-friendly environments.

    “Together, we can secure a healthier and more equitable future for mothers and children,” the statement added.

  • Leo DaSilva urges NAFDAC to tackle fake drugs, deodorants in Abuja

    Leo DaSilva urges NAFDAC to tackle fake drugs, deodorants in Abuja

    Former BBNaija housemate, Leo DaSilva, has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to clamp down on the circulation of fake and ineffective medications and personal care products in Nigeria.

    Sharing his personal ordeal, DaSilva revealed that within a month, he had unknowingly purchased counterfeit items such as cod liver oil, Gestid, Sensodyne toothpaste, Simple face wash, and deodorant.

    He urged NAFDAC to take urgent action, including raiding supermarkets in Abuja, to stem the growing menace of fake products in the market.

    He wrote, “The amount of fake drugs, fake deodorants, fake toothpaste and fake skin care in Nigeria is ridiculous. In one month, I have bought fake cod liver oil, fake Gestid, fake sensodyne, fake Simple face wash, fake deodorant, etc.

    NAFDAC needs to raid all big supermarkets in Abuja”.

    The concerns about fake or ineffective medications in Nigeria have been echoed by Mary Remmy Njoku.

    Njoku, an actress and producer, earlier added her voice to the growing concern, sharing her recent experience with food poisoning while on a film set, where she took medication purchased from a popular pharmacy chain in Nigeria.

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    However, she said the medication seemed ineffective, and her symptoms persisted for three days not until her husband gave her the same medication, but purchased from abroad, that she began to feel better within minutes.

    She emphasised that her case is not isolated and urged NAFDAC to take swift action to address the issue.

    The actress warned that the availability of substandard drugs poses a serious public health threat that must be urgently addressed.