Port harcourt: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a task force in Rivers State to combat the circulation of counterfeit and fake drugs, as well as unwholesome processed foods. The task force was inaugurated by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of NAFDAC’s South-South Zone, Mr. Chukwuma Oligbo.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the task force includes officials from NAFDAC, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Police Force. The objective is to enforce regulatory standards, coordinate surveillance activities, and remove illegal and substandard products from circulation. The urgency to confront the threat posed by counterfeit medicines and unsafe packaged foods was highlighted, as these products endanger lives and undermine healthcare outcomes.
The task force will conduct coordinated market inspections, rapid product testing, and transparent reporting to the Chairman of the Federal Task Force. Members of the public will have access to hotlines, community forums, and online platforms to report suspicious products. The task force aims to support legitimate manufacturers and traders by ensuring that compliant businesses are not undermined by counterfeiters and illegal operators.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs, and Unwholesome Processed Foods, stated that the task force derives its legal authority from an Act of the National Assembly. This Act empowers the task force to seize and seal premises suspected of dealing in counterfeit products. The task force can break into any facility and seize counterfeit, fake, banned, or forged products, as well as any regulated processed food, poison, or drug suspected to be fake.
Mr. Emmanuel Onogwu, the NAFDAC State Coordinator in Rivers State, emphasized that the task force would support compliance with national regulations, deter and disrupt illicit trade, protect consumers, and promote accountability across the supply chain. Dr. Chidinma Oreh, the Rivers Commissioner for Health, noted that counterfeit and fake drugs, as well as unwholesome processed foods, pose a serious threat to public health, patient safety, and the integrity of the healthcare system. The government is committed to addressing these illegal activities to protect lives and maintain public confidence in health services.