The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a multi-agency task force in Rivers State to intensify the crackdown on counterfeit medicines and unwholesome processed foods.
The newly constituted Rivers State Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods comprises officials from NAFDAC, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Police Force.
At the inauguration, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the agency’s South-South Zonal Director, Pharm. Chukwuma Oligbo, described counterfeit drugs and unsafe foods as a growing public health threat that undermines healthcare delivery, distorts legitimate markets and increases economic losses.
According to her, the task force is mandated to strengthen enforcement of regulatory standards, coordinate intelligence-led surveillance and eliminate illegal products from circulation. She added that the initiative will also protect compliant manufacturers and traders from unfair competition posed by counterfeiters.
NAFDAC said the team will conduct joint market inspections, carry out rapid product testing where necessary and provide accessible reporting channels, including hotlines and online platforms, to enable citizens report suspicious items.
In a virtual address, the Chairman of the Federal Task Force and NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement and Investigation, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, noted that the task force derives its authority from an Act of the National Assembly. He stated that it has the power to seize drugs sold in unlicensed premises, confiscate fake or banned products and seal facilities involved in illegal activities.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chidinma Adaeze Oreh, represented by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Halliday Charles, pledged the state government’s support, warning that counterfeit drugs and unsafe foods pose grave risks to patient safety and public confidence in the health system.
The event concluded with members of the task force taking the oath of office, signalling the commencement of coordinated enforcement operations across the state.
