FG has launched national task force to combat fake drugs and unsafe foods in Nigeria.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has officially launched a Federal and Regional Task Force (FTF) under the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to crack down on the production and distribution of fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods across Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Friday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the government is taking decisive steps to safeguard public health and restore confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare and food systems.
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“With this task force, we are sending a clear message: Nigeria will no longer be a haven for those who profit at the expense of public health,” Pate declared.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing strict national standards on all regulated products, including medicines, foods, cosmetics, and medical devices, under the ministry’s four-point health agenda aimed at protecting Nigerians from threats like unsafe products and systemic healthcare vulnerabilities.
The newly inaugurated task force is mandated to:
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Identify and dismantle illegal manufacturing and distribution networks
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Prosecute offenders involved in counterfeit drug operations
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Strengthen surveillance and enforcement activities nationwide
Pate urged manufacturers, distributors, healthcare professionals, and consumers to actively participate in the fight against substandard and falsified medical and food products.
Also addressing the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the counterfeit drug trade as a “deeply insidious threat” that endangers lives, erodes trust in the health system, and undermines national integrity.
Adeyeye revealed that between February and March 2025, NAFDAC carried out major raids at Onitsha and Ariaria drug markets, leading to the seizure and destruction of over 100 truckloads of counterfeit and substandard products, valued at more than ₦1 trillion.
“These operations led to the arrest of several illegal traders and the removal of unregistered drugs and unsafe foods from circulation. This is a clear message that Nigeria is serious about protecting its citizens,” she said.
The NAFDAC boss emphasized the need for collaboration across government agencies, the private sector, and the public to tackle this growing menace. She cited Cap C34—the legal framework empowering the task force—as the foundation for its authority and operations.
NAFDAC announced plans to intensify efforts in the coming weeks, including:
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Launching nationwide public awareness campaigns
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Leveraging technology and innovation for enhanced detection and enforcement
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Expanding partnerships with local and international stakeholders
“We call on every partner to bring their expertise and resources to this national mission,” Adeyeye urged. “It is only through unified, strategic action that we can effectively combat fake drugs and unsafe food products in Nigeria.”
