The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a task force in Rivers State to combat the circulation of counterfeit and fake drugs, as well as unwholesome processed foods.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during the inauguration on Tuesday in Port Harcourt. She was represented by the Director of NAFDAC’s South-South Zone, Mr Chukwuma Oligbo.
Adeyeye said the task force comprises officials from NAFDAC, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Police Force.
She explained that the task force aims to enforce regulatory standards, coordinate surveillance activities, and remove illegal and substandard products from circulation.
The Director-General emphasized the urgent need to confront the growing threat posed by counterfeit medicines and unsafe packaged foods, which endanger lives and undermine healthcare outcomes.
According to her, the task force will conduct coordinated market inspections, rapid product testing, and transparent reporting to the Chairman of the Federal Task Force.
She added that members of the public will have access to hotlines, community forums, and online platforms to report suspicious products.
“The mandate of the task force is to enforce standards, coordinate intelligence-driven surveillance, and remove illegal products from circulation.
“It also includes supporting legitimate manufacturers and traders by ensuring that compliant businesses are not undermined by counterfeiters and illegal operators.
“The task force brings together key regulatory, security, public health, and community stakeholders working in a unified structure to ensure strong enforcement,” she said.
Dr Martins Iluyomade, Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, said the task force derives its legal authority from an Act of the National Assembly.
He explained that the Act empowers the task force to seize and seal premises suspected of dealing in counterfeit products.
Iluyomade, who is also Director of NAFDAC’s Enforcement and Investigation Directorate, outlined the functions of the task force, which include seizing any drug or poison displayed for sale in unlicensed premises.
“With reasonable suspicion, the task force has the power to break into any facility and seize counterfeit, fake, banned or forged products, as well as any regulated processed food, poison or drug suspected to be fake. The premises may also be sealed if necessary,” he said.
NAFDAC State Coordinator in Rivers State, Mr Emmanuel Onogwu, said the task force would support compliance with national regulations, deter and disrupt illicit trade, protect consumers, and promote accountability across the supply chain.
Rivers Commissioner for Health, Dr Chidinma Adaeze Oreh (represented by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Mr Halliday Charles), said the menace of counterfeit and fake drugs, as well as unwholesome processed foods, poses a serious threat to public health, patient safety, and the integrity of the healthcare system.
She stated that the government would not turn a blind eye to such threats, noting that these illegal activities undermine genuine healthcare providers, endanger lives, and erode public confidence in health services.
The highlight of the inauguration was the administration of the oath of office to members of the state task force by Mr Jumbo Washington of NAFDAC’s Enforcement and Investigation Directorate, Asaba, Delta State.
