The ongoing battle against illicit trade: NAFDAC’s role in safeguarding public health

At the forefront of safeguarding public health in Nigeria stands the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), a pivotal institution tasked with the vital responsibility of regulating a diverse array of consumables and medical products.

With a broad mandate, NAFDAC plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of goods ranging from food and drugs to cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, chemicals, and detergents.

Established with a comprehensive vision, NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to quality assurance and regulatory oversight underscores its indispensable role in protecting the welfare of the Nigerian populace..

Over the years, NAFDAC’s pivotal role has been reinforced by legislative frameworks such as Decree 15 of 1993, amended by Decree 19 of 1999, and the current NAFDAC Act No1 Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

These legal provisions empower the agency to enforce stringent regulations governing the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of regulated products.

Under the leadership of Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC has embarked on a commendable campaign to combat the pervasive menace of drug hawking and the unsafe practice of using calcium carbide to artificially ripen fruits. Despite concerted efforts, these illicit activities persist as a disturbingly common occurrence nationwide.

The recent flag-off of the NAFDAC media sensitisation workshop in Abuja shed light on the gravity of these issues, emphasising the imminent threat they pose to unsuspecting consumers. The proliferation of counterfeit drugs and chemically ripened fruits not only undermines public trust but also jeopardizes the health and well-being of countless individuals.

It is imperative that NAFDAC intensifies its efforts to curb these nefarious practices swiftly and decisively. Robust enforcement measures, enhanced surveillance, and public awareness campaigns are essential tools in this ongoing battle against unscrupulous traders who prioritize profit over public health.

As stakeholders in the nation’s health sector, we commend NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians. However, concerted action from all sectors of society is necessary to root out the illicit trade in counterfeit products and ensure that consumers can trust in the safety and integrity of the goods they purchase.

During the inauguration of the NAFDAC media awareness workshop in Abuja, the alarming realities of illicit trade and unethical practices among hawkers were brought to the forefront, underscoring the imminent threat posed to unsuspecting consumers. Urgent action is imperative to curb these hazardous activities and safeguard public health.

Amidst this challenge, commendable efforts have emerged, promising to swiftly identify, apprehend, and prosecute those involved. The Director General of NAFDAC has unequivocally pledged that these unscrupulous actors will face significant legal repercussions, including jail time.

Such decisive measures, if effectively implemented, will send a resounding message that the illicit trade of narcotics and distribution to criminal networks will not go unpunished.

Recent reports reveal that enforcement officers are conducting a coordinated nationwide operation to address these pressing concerns, signaling a proactive stance in combating these nefarious activities.

In the battle against the ominous “merchants of death,” as poignantly labeled by Adeyeye, we advocate for a multifaceted approach. It is imperative that enforcement officers are not just adequately trained and motivated but also strategically aligned in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, particularly the police.

Furthermore, NAFDAC must embark on sustained and comprehensive public enlightenment campaigns. These campaigns serve as a beacon of knowledge for the unaware, the trusting, and the unsuspecting consumers who may fall victim to the dangers posed by counterfeit, substandard, and expired drugs.

Consider this: Imagine living in Nigeria and earning a salary in US Dollars through premium domain investments, where one can potentially earn up to $17,000 (N27 Million). It’s an enticing prospect, but amidst such opportunities, the need for public awareness on drug safety becomes even more critical.

Consumers must be educated about the hazards associated with counterfeit and expired medications. They need to grasp the detrimental effects of exposing these drugs to sunlight, humidity, and adverse weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. It’s a reality that what was once intended to heal may now pose a grave threat to health, with the active ingredients degraded to the point of toxicity.

By empowering the public with this knowledge, NAFDAC can empower individuals to make informed choices about their health and well-being, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier society.

Amidst the escalating poverty levels in the nation, which directly impacts the purchasing power of the average citizen, it’s imperative for the government to not only focus on punitive measures against offenders but also to proactively institute preventive actions. Such initiatives are crucial in saving countless lives from avoidable tragedies.

While applauding NAFDAC’s commendable efforts in combating the perilous trade of harmful drugs and the application of cancer-inducing carbides on fruits, a more holistic approach is warranted.

One such strategy involves strengthening collaborations with Customs Services and port officials to stem the influx of hazardous food, chemicals, and drugs into the country. Additionally, NAFDAC should continue leveraging modern information technology to effectively monitor and combat the criminal activities of offenders.

By adopting a comprehensive approach that emphasizes prevention, enforcement, and technology-driven solutions, NAFDAC can significantly enhance its capacity to safeguard public health and mitigate the risks posed by unsafe products.

In the quest to fortify its impact, NAFDAC must fortify its alliance with the media, transcending language barriers to disseminate crucial information in local dialects. This concerted effort ensures that the public is well-informed about NAFDAC’s patriotic crusade to safeguard lives from preventable tragedies.

Yet, amidst these collaborative endeavors, the onus lies on the Tinubu-led administration to afford NAFDAC the opportunity to propose enhanced funding. Such allocations would bolster the agency’s capabilities, facilitating the acquisition of essential chemicals and equipment for its laboratories, as well as enabling staff recruitment and training initiatives.

With these vital resources at its disposal, NAFDAC is poised to fulfill its mandate to the Nigerian people with unwavering efficiency and efficacy, ensuring the protection of public health and well-being across the nation.