The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, adulterated, expired and banned products valued at more than N8bn seized across North-Central Nigeria, in an operation aimed at protecting public health.

The destruction exercise took place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Thursday.

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NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the confiscated products were recovered from manufacturing facilities, shops, markets and motor parks across the region.

Adeyeye, who was represented at the event by the agency’s Deputy Director in the zone, Joseph Edor, said most of the destroyed items were banned alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small containers holding less than 200 millilitres.

She explained that the restriction on such products was intended to curb alcohol misuse, particularly among young people and schoolchildren.

According to the agency, the small packaging, affordability and easy availability of the beverages make them accessible for misuse.

Adeyeye said early exposure to alcohol could harm brain development and affect vital organs, including the liver and kidneys.

She warned that alcohol misuse could contribute to brain damage, poor academic performance, reduced productivity and other health problems.

The NAFDAC chief said the agency’s ban and enforcement operations were driven by concerns about alcohol abuse, addiction and the associated public health risks.

Beyond the banned alcoholic beverages, the seized products included expired, counterfeit and unwholesome food items, medicines and cosmetics.

Adeyeye said the destruction followed enforcement activities targeting products considered unsafe, fake or prohibited under applicable regulations.

The Nasarawa State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr Gyani Stephen, said the destruction exercise was intended to safeguard public health rather than target businesses or individuals.

He warned traders involved in selling counterfeit and banned products to stop the practice, adding that the agency would take action against violators.

In a goodwill message, the Nasarawa State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Daniel Saidu, represented by Yakubu Awoh, commended NAFDAC for its efforts to remove fake and expired medicines from circulation.

He warned that the circulation of unsafe products could expose large numbers of people to serious health risks, including harm to mental health.

NAFDAC also acknowledged the support of law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders, particularly their contributions through intelligence sharing and security assistance.

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The agency’s latest operation underscores the public health concerns surrounding counterfeit medicines, unsafe consumer products and the illegal sale of restricted alcoholic beverages.