Quick Summary:
NAFDAC launches the Rivers State Task Force to combat counterfeit drugs and unsafe processed foods, empowering a multi-agency team to enforce standards, protect consumers, and strengthen public health.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated the Rivers State Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, marking a renewed national effort to curb the circulation of unsafe medicines and food products.

The task force comprises representatives from NAFDAC, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Police Force.

Adeyeye Urges Rivers to Lead in Combating Counterfeit Products

Speaking at the inauguration, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director, South-South Zone, Pharm. Chukwuma Oligbo, urged Rivers State to take the lead in confronting the growing threat of counterfeit medicines and unsafe packaged foods.

She warned that such products endanger lives, undermine healthcare outcomes, distort markets, and increase health costs and productivity losses.

In a statement by Cyril Monye, NAFDAC’s South-South Public Relations Officer, Adeyeye explained that the task force’s mandate includes enforcing standards, coordinating intelligence-driven surveillance, removing illegal products from circulation, and supporting legitimate manufacturers and traders.

She added that citizens would have access to hotlines, community forums, and online channels to report suspicious products.

Federal Task Force Chairman Outlines Legal Powers

Delivering a keynote address virtually from Lagos, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods and Director of Enforcement and Investigation at NAFDAC, said the task force derives its legal authority from an Act of the National Assembly and supersedes any similar state-level task force.

He outlined its powers to include seizing unlicensed drugs or poisons, breaking into facilities suspected of housing counterfeit or banned products, and sealing such premises when necessary.

Rivers State Pledges Full Cooperation

The NAFDAC State Coordinator in Rivers State, Emmanuel Onogwu, said the task force would support compliance with national regulations, deter illicit trade, protect consumers, and promote accountability across the pharmaceutical and food supply chains.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chidinma Adaeze Oreh, represented by Halliday Charles, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, condemned the menace of counterfeit drugs and unwholesome foods, describing them as a serious threat to public health and patient safety.

Oath of Office Administered

The inauguration concluded with the administration of the oath of office to members of the Rivers State Task Force by Jumbo Washington of the NAFDAC Enforcement and Investigation Directorate, Asaba.

The new task force is expected to begin immediate enforcement operations across markets, pharmacies, and distribution networks in Rivers State to safeguard public health and restore confidence in regulated products.