The Anambra State Government has stepped up efforts to combat fake drugs, adulterated food and other harmful products, with plans to establish a toll-free reporting line for residents.
The state Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, where government agencies and regulatory bodies discussed measures to strengthen public protection against dangerous drugs and unsafe food.
Obidike called for swift action against individuals involved in the production and sale of fake or illegal drugs, food adulteration and other practices capable of putting public health at risk.
He said the proposed toll-free line would enable residents to report suspected cases of fake drug sales, illegal drug production, food adulteration and other harmful activities.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, also backed the campaign, expressing concern over the circulation of fake prescription and lifesaving medicines as well as the use of harmful substances in food preparation.
He called for stronger monitoring, the creation of a special task force and faster responses to reports from the public.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) State Coordinator, Louis Madubuattah, disclosed that the agency carried out about 492 inspections and other regulatory activities in Anambra in 2025, resulting in more than 100 sanctions.
He said NAFDAC had conducted more than 300 similar activities in 2026, with about 71 sanctions recorded so far.
Madubuattah advocated a month-long public awareness campaign involving radio, other media platforms and direct engagement with food producers, sellers, handlers and distributors.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) also called for greater collaboration and information sharing among regulatory agencies, stressing that farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers all have roles to play in keeping harmful products away from the public.
