NAFDAC Shuts Down Over 3,000 Shops in Lagos, Uncovers Banned and Expired Drugs

In an intensive operation last week, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) sealed over 3,000 shops in the Idumota Open Drug Market, Lagos, after uncovering serious health violations.

The agency’s officials discovered a variety of hazardous practices, including vaccines stored in unsanitary, dilapidated rooms sealed with iron sheets, putting public health at significant risk.

Additionally, banned drugs, such as Analgin injections and diverted HIV antiretroviral medications, were found alongside expired pharmaceuticals that were being illegally revalidated.

NAFDAC also uncovered illicit pharmaceuticals stored in dangerous conditions.

The agency reported that the confiscated drugs, including controlled substances like MDMA (Ecstasy), Tramadol, and various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup, were found in areas hidden from regular pharmaceutical sections of the market.

Further inspections revealed that the illicit drugs amounted to the equivalent of 12 truckloads, alongside expired, unregistered antimalarial injections and empty packaging.

The agency’s swift actions seeks to protect the public from counterfeit and substandard drugs while reaffirming its commitment to improving drug safety in the country.