NAFDAC Shuts Down Over 11,000 Drug Shops in Nigeria Amidst Illicit Drug Crackdown

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed more than 11,000 drug shops in Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota, Nigeria, as part of a nationwide effort to combat illegal drug sales. Forty suspects were apprehended for distributing unregistered and dangerous drugs.

Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye reported the evacuation of over 77 truckloads of counterfeit drugs. Discoveries included expired drugs with altered dates, banned substances like Tramadol and Analgin, and USAID-donated vaccines and antiretrovirals being sold illegally. Machines for altering expiration dates and unsanitary storage conditions were also found. The estimated value of confiscated drugs is trillions of naira.

Adeyeye emphasized the crackdown aims to protect public health, not disrupt trade, and urged Nigerians to purchase drugs only from reputable pharmacies. She also called for increased government support and tighter border security to prevent the smuggling of counterfeit drugs.