The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated the evacuation of contaminated drugs from markets in Borno State, following severe flooding that affected Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere local government areas.
The flood, which impacted over one million residents and submerged numerous pharmacies and drug stores, led to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, ordering the removal of substandard and contaminated medications from Maiduguri markets.
On Wednesday, NAFDAC’s North-East Zonal Director, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, led a team to the Gamboru area of Maiduguri, where many drug stores were submerged.
He emphasized that the agency is concentrating on market sections and areas where regulated products are sold, particularly those inundated by floodwaters.
Azikiwe stated, “Our priority is to correct any issue that may have arisen from consuming contaminated products. NAFDAC’s guidelines ensure the safe disposal of compromised products, safeguarding the health and well-being of Maiduguri residents.”
He clarified that while NAFDAC is a regulatory authority and not a compensating body, the agency is collaborating with Borno’s Ministry of Health and Human Resources and other stakeholders to address compensation for affected individuals and businesses.
Additionally, officials from Borno, Yobe, and other states are working together on crisis management and inspections.
Azikiwe urged the public to report any instances of drug sun-drying to NAFDAC or relevant authorities and advised consumers to check for wet packaging and mud stains on products.
He reaffirmed, “NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that only safe, good quality, and efficacious drugs are consumed nationwide.”
