In a dramatic show of force, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has torched over 618 tonnes of fake, expired, and substandard products in Kano, with the agency boasting a jaw-dropping ₦10.19 billion in destroyed goods. The message? Nigeria’s markets are under siege by dangerous fakes, and NAFDAC is swooping in as the nation’s savior.

The highly publicized destruction took place at the Kalibawa Destruction Site, with NAFDAC officials and security agencies parading their haul for the cameras. The event, staged at the North-West zonal level, was billed as a major crackdown in the fight against illicit products, with officials eager to highlight their commitment to public safety.

Among the items thrown into the flames were counterfeit antibiotics, anti-malarials, and blood pressure drugs,products that, according to NAFDAC, could have endangered millions. Also destroyed were adulterated food items like vegetable oil and sachet water, as well as fake cosmetics and agrochemicals. The agency painted a dire picture of the threat, warning that these products could have wreaked havoc on public health if left unchecked.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye (represented by North-West Zonal Director Mr. Dadi Nantim Mullah), called the destruction a “landmark achievement” and a warning shot to anyone involved in the fake goods trade. “This destruction represents not just enforcement, but a clear message that the era of impunity is coming to an end,” Adeyeye declared, vowing that violators will face severe legal consequences as NAFDAC ramps up its surveillance.

Officials were quick to tout Nigeria’s recent regulatory “milestones,” including the country’s new status with the World Health Organisation and the International Council for Harmonisation. Adeyeye claimed these achievements have boosted confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory system, setting the stage for even more aggressive enforcement.

Mr. Mullah, the North-West Zonal Director, was on hand to trumpet the agency’s success, claiming that the prevalence of fake and unregistered products has plummeted from 46 percent to less than six percent. He insisted that the massive destruction was proof of NAFDAC’s increased effectiveness, not a sign that the problem is getting worse.

NAFDAC credited its “multi-pronged” approach,direct raids, voluntary handovers, and partnerships with security agencies,for the massive haul. The agency also made sure to thank the Kano State Government, Customs, Police, and various trade groups for their support, calling for even more collaboration to stamp out fake goods.

In a final flourish, NAFDAC urged Nigerians to stay alert, avoid buying from unlicensed vendors, and report anything suspicious. The agency repeated its promise to protect public health and keep only “safe, effective, and high-quality” products on the market.