Recent actions by NAFDAC officials have shown serious concerns about drug safety and public health, especially with the rise of fake drugs.
The spread of counterfeit medications has lead to ineffective treatments and harmful health effects to citizens.
Recently, a joint team from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Borno State Ministry of Health discovered several neglected warehouses in Maiduguri’s Gamboru area.
These warehouses store drugs worth millions of naira. The recent flood damaged many of these drugs.
NAFDAC Uncovers Unsafe Drugs
The team found the warehouses in isolated and unsafe locations.
During a raid on Wednesday, they seized the compromised drugs to prevent their sale and distribution.
The operation was led by Borno State Commissioner of Health Baba Malam Gana and NAFDAC’s Director for the North-East, Kenneth Azikiwe.
This raid followed a directive from NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye.
Also, the goal was to prevent a public health emergency resulting from the sale of flood-damaged medicines.
Issued Statement
Azikiwe explained the mission’s purpose.
“We are on an evacuation mission to seize and destroy drugs damaged by the flood in the Gamboru market.
“These drugs are unsafe for consumption and could pose serious public health risks,” he said.
“He urged the public to report anyone attempting to sun-dry or sell the affected medicines.”
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Proper Drug Storage
Commissioner Gana stressed the importance of proper drug storage.
He also stated that the state government would ensure unsafe practices do not recur in the Gamboru medicine market.
“Medicines must be stored properly, and we are committed to ensuring that the Gamboru market will not be the same again.
“We will take immediate action to ensure compliance with safety standards,” Gana declared.
Regarding compensation for business owners affected by the seizure, Gana assured that the Borno State government would provide assistance, supported by the Federal Government.
Furthermore, he referenced President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Maiduguri, where the President promised aid for flood victims, including those in the Gamboru market.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the people of Borno that they will not be left to suffer.
“Those who lost their businesses, including those in this market, will receive assistance from both the federal and state governments,” Gana said.
Borno And NAFDAC Collaboration
However, the Chairman of the Gamboru Medicine Market, Bukar Modu, expressed his willingness to cooperate with the government to ensure public safety.
He emphasised that the health of the people is their top priority and called for financial support to mitigate the losses.
“We are fully prepared to cooperate with the government’s directives.
“Our primary concern is the health of our people, and we hope the government will provide us with the necessary financial support after this process,” Modu stated.
