Nigeria’s drug and food safety regulator, NAFDAC, has called on citizens to play a more active role in curbing counterfeit products. Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized that public intelligence is crucial for combating fake drugs and substandard food.
“We cannot be everywhere,” Adeyeye said during a forum hosted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). “We need information about such products’ availability in communities. If you inform us, we’ll respond within one or two hours.”
The agency has set up multiple reporting channels for the public. Citizens can contact NAFDAC via its helpline (080-162-3322), email (sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng), or the Med-Safety app available on Android and iOS platforms. Reports can also be filed at the nearest NAFDAC office or through e-reporting platforms on the agency’s website.
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Adeyeye revealed that NAFDAC has shut down numerous companies violating its standards. “We’ve closed companies despite pressure from higher authorities,” she said. “Some remain shut until corrective measures are implemented, while a few have been permanently closed.”
The fight against counterfeit products has also seen a boost through technology. NAFDAC now uses GS1 tracking systems to trace substandard products and ensure compliance. Consumers can verify the authenticity of drugs by scanning barcodes to check manufacturing and expiration dates.
“We’ve digitized product leaflets. With a scanner, consumers can access detailed electronic information about the product,” Adeyeye explained. She urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that products priced suspiciously low are likely substandard.
To increase public awareness, NAFDAC has partnered with media outlets like FRCN, NTA, and TVC. Adeyeye encouraged citizens to use available tools and technology to protect themselves and their communities from fake products.
“This is a shared responsibility,” she concluded. “Together, we can safeguard public health and ensure standards are upheld.”
