Date: 2021-09-10

The National Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have taken the sensitisation campaign on falsified medical products to Ilorin, Kwara State capital, lamenting the devastating effect on consumers.

The agency's Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christian Adeyeye said it is the mandate of NAFDAC to rid the nation of the menace of falsified medical products, unwholesome food, harmful cosmetics, poorly packaged water and other substandard regulated products.

Adeyeye who was represented by the North Zonal Director, Mrs Bolaji Abayomi at the event on Thursday, disclosed that the campaign would hold in selected states between August and September.

She said the rampant substandard food products, harmful cosmetics and other dangerous consumable products necessitated the aggressive sensitisation, stating that NAFDAC was committed to promoting and protecting the health of the people.

She said: "A well informed, sensitized and educated citizenry is the bedrock of effective regulation.

"This is why today's event is another major milestone in our bid to protect Nigerians against the deleterious effects of unwholesome food, falsified medical products, harmful cosmetics, poor water and other substandard regulated products.

She expressed the readiness of the agency to reach the hinterlands with the campaign, noting that dissemination of food and drug safety information is an important aspect of their regulatory work.

According to NAFDAC, statistics available to it shows that the COVID-19 global pandemic made Nigerian vulnerable to substandard and falsified Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

She called for a collaborative effort with the Senate Committee on Health to tackle the menace of substandard products in Nigeria.