NAFDAC Launches Task Force in Kano to Fight Fake Drugs and Unsafe Food

(Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC Photo by Instagram)
On Tuesday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control established a seven-member task team in Kano State to combat the spread of counterfeit, unwholesome food and medications.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, spoke at the ceremony and hailed the effort as a strategic measure to increase enforcement against inferior regulated items while also protecting public health.

The task force will function as a federal operational arm under the agency's Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, according to Adeyeye, who was represented by Fraden Nantim-Mullah, NAFDAC Director, North-West Zone, Kaduna.

She cautioned that if counterfeit medications and contaminated foods are not taken seriously, they will endanger public health, erode trust in the healthcare system, and jeopardize economic stability and national progress.

She stated, "Kano is vulnerable to the production, importation, and distribution of substandard and falsified products across local and regional markets due to its status as a major commercial hub." 

The DG clarified that in order to stop the proliferation of counterfeit goods, the task force would conduct information collection, surveillance, enforcement operations, seizure of illicit goods, arrest and prosecution of criminals, and public awareness campaigns.

In order to protect public health and guarantee adherence to national regulatory requirements, she asked members to perform their tasks with honesty, professionalism, and bravery.

Speaking as well, Umar Ibrahim, the Kano State Secretary to the Government, stated that the task force's formation was required to confront the state's growing drug misuse and counterfeit product circulation.

He pointed out that drug addiction is still a significant social issue, especially for young people, who make up more than 70% of the state's population.

"The urgent need to disrupt supply chains of fake drugs and unwholesome products across the state is reflected in recent reports of families seeking rehabilitation for their children," he stated.

Ibrahim warned against influence from special interests that could jeopardize enforcement efforts and urged continued cooperation between federal and state officials.

He charged members of the committee to carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour, and always in the interest of public health.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the task force, Kamilu Mudi-Salisu, pledged the committee’s commitment to tackling the circulation of fake drugs and unsafe food products.

He urged members of the public to support the initiative by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

Mudi-Salisu added that the task force was empowered to conduct raids, seize illegal products, seal premises, and prosecute offenders in line with existing laws and regulations.

Director of Pharmaceutical Services of the Kano State Ministry of Health Mudi-Salisu will chair the committee, and Coordinator of the NAFDAC Kano Office Kasim Ibrahim will act as secretary.