NAFDAC sets up Task Force to tackle fake drugs in Kano

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has inaugurated a seven-member task force in Kano State to intensify the fight against fake, counterfeit, and substandard food and drug products.

The initiative was launched on Tuesday and is aimed at strengthening enforcement operations against unsafe regulated products while protecting public health across the state.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, described the move as a strategic intervention to curb the spread of falsified medical and food products in Nigeria.

She was represented at the event by the Director, North-West Zone, Kaduna, Fraden Nantim-Mullah.

Public health warning

Prof Adeyeye warned that counterfeit drugs and unsafe food products pose serious risks to public health and undermine confidence in the healthcare system.

“Kano’s status as a major commercial hub makes it vulnerable to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of substandard and falsified products across local and regional markets,” she said.

She stressed that failure to address the menace could threaten national development and economic stability.

Task force mandate

The task force, operating under NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, is mandated to carry out intelligence gathering, surveillance, enforcement operations, seizure of illegal products, arrests, prosecution, and public sensitisation.

Prof Adeyeye urged members to act with integrity and professionalism.

She said the team must demonstrate “courage to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with national regulatory standards.”

State government backing

Kano State Secretary to the Government, Umar Ibrahim, said the task force was necessary due to rising cases of drug abuse and counterfeit circulation in the state.

He noted that drug addiction remains a major concern, especially among youths, who constitute over 70 per cent of the population.

“Recent reports of families seeking rehabilitation for their children reflect the urgent need to disrupt supply chains of fake drugs and unwholesome products,” Mr Ibrahim said.

He also warned against interference in enforcement activities and urged full cooperation between federal and state authorities.

Task force commitment

Chairman of the task force, Kamilu Mudi-Salisu, pledged the committee’s readiness to clamp down on fake drug circulation and unsafe food products.

He urged members of the public to support the initiative by reporting suspicious activities.

“The task force is empowered to conduct raids, seize illegal products, seal premises, and prosecute offenders in line with existing laws and regulations,” he said.

The committee is chaired by Mr Kamilu Mudi-Salisu, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Kano State Ministry of Health, while Mr Kasim Ibrahim, Coordinator of the NAFDAC Kano Office, serves as secretary.