The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), South-West Zone, has begun the l of unsafe and counterfeit products valued at over N20 billion in Ibadan on Thursday.

The disposal exercise was carried out at the Moniya waste site in Ibadan.

During the operation, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, disclosed that the activity is intended to stop such harmful products from returning to the market and posing risks to public health.

Adeyeye was represented by Mrs Florence Uba, the agency’s Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos.

She stated that the products being destroyed included substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics, and other expired products.

She added that the agency seized the products from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.

“Also, up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Trade Unions.

“The estimated street value of the products planned for destruction is N20 billion.

“NAFDAC has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the health of the nation is safeguarded, and as such, it is committed to achieving its mandate,” she explained.

She advised community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to educate the public on the dangers of patronising unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.

NAFDAC also called for public participation in the fight against substandard products and urged Nigerians to report suspicious drug activities to help protect lives and strengthen the nation’s regulatory system.

She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing over more than 25 containers for destruction.

She also applauded the Police, the Army, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for their efforts in supporting NAFDAC’s mission.

“Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians,” she said.