The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning to patent medicine dealers against selling substandard and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.
During a one-day sensitization and awareness campaign in Abuja, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, represented by Bitrus Fraden, Director of Post Marketing Surveillance, emphasized that such drugs are not only fake but can also be poisonous and hazardous to human health.
She urged dealers to prioritize genuine products and quality services, advising against engaging in any practices that could lead to legal repercussions. “Do not engage in any sharp practices just because you are driven by money; the welfare of the people should be the driving force,” Adeyeye stated. She called on dealers to source their medical supplies from reputable sources and to scrutinize products before putting them on shelves.
Odoh-Theophilus Okwudili, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), expressed gratitude to NAFDAC for its effective drug regulation and monitoring efforts. He noted that the sensitization program aims to enhance the safety and quality of medicines, reduce counterfeit products in circulation, and improve access to genuine pharmaceuticals.
Okwudili encouraged collaboration among all stakeholders in drug regulation, stressing the importance of providing guidance and support to patent medicine dealers. The event was attended by representatives of NAPPMED from the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).