The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully intercepted a major shipment of substandard, falsified pharmaceutical products and unsafe tomato paste worth an estimated ₦20.5 billion at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
This significant seizure was made possible through a collaborative effort between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), as part of an intensified clampdown on the illegal importation of fake, unregistered, and banned products into the Nigerian market.
In a handover ceremony held on Saturday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, officially transferred custody of the seized goods to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye. The event was described as a strong demonstration of inter-agency cooperation aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
A statement released on Sunday by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, revealed that the intercepted consignment consisted of 15 containers. Of these, 11 were filled with various unregistered, banned, or counterfeit pharmaceutical products, while four contained unwholesome and substandard tomato paste.
Among the pharmaceutical products impounded were:
1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, a prescription-only opioid medicine known for its abuse potential,
12.6 million tablets of tramadol, a highly addictive painkiller strictly approved for post-operative treatment in adults,
9.3 million tablets of falsified, branded diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug typically used to manage arthritis and other inflammatory conditions,
280 packs of counterfeit Hyergra tablets, a fake version of sildenafil citrate, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction.
Professor Adeyeye, in her remarks during the ceremony, commended the Customs Service for their unrelenting support in NAFDAC’s mission to ensure public health and safety. She noted that the seizure is a critical victory against the syndicates involved in the trade of fake drugs and unwholesome consumables.
“This seizure is another major blow to criminal elements—both local and international—who are determined to flood our country with substandard products,” the DG stated. “They must understand that as long as we remain in charge, the Nigerian people will not be left at the mercy of harmful, unregistered goods.”
Despite facing growing threats and intimidation, Professor Adeyeye affirmed that NAFDAC will not relent. She disclosed that officials of the agency have recently received threats of death and kidnapping from those affected by their enforcement actions. However, she emphasized that these tactics would not derail their mission.
“Threats to our lives and attempts to demoralize us have only strengthened our resolve. We remain undeterred, and with God and the support of well-meaning Nigerians, we shall prevail,” she affirmed.
Speaking further, the NAFDAC boss warned Nigerians about the severe and often irreversible health risks posed by the consumption of fake drugs and adulterated food products.
“The consumption of unwholesome food and counterfeit drugs has devastating consequences, including acute poisoning, gastrointestinal illness, nutritional deficiencies, and long-term organ damage caused by toxic substances and heavy metals,” she explained.
She also warned of additional risks such as:
Increased risk of cancer from expired dyes and preservatives,
Allergic and respiratory reactions due to hidden allergens and artificial additives,
Food addiction and cognitive disruption from ultra-processed foods engineered to be high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
Professor Adeyeye urged the public to support NAFDAC by reporting suspicious products and activities across the country. She encouraged Nigerians to use the agency’s national offices or its verified social media platforms for such reports.
“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to partner with us in this fight. Report any suspected manufacture, importation, distribution, or sale of fake and substandard products,” she appealed.
Concluding her statement, she stressed that ensuring public safety is not a task for NAFDAC alone and called for enhanced collaboration among relevant stakeholders and institutions.
“Safeguarding the health of our nation is a shared responsibility. We cannot do it alone. We will continue to develop new strategies and work hand-in-hand with patriotic individuals and organizations to secure a healthier future for Nigeria,” she stated.