Crackdown on Chaos: NAFDAC Slams Drug Vendors with Hefty Fines Across Nigeria!

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the fines imposed on certain drug vendors across various markets in the country are in full compliance with Nigerian laws.

NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, cautioned against efforts to provoke public sentiment against the agency for fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Adeyeye criticized what she described as misleading videos circulating on social media, aimed at stirring resistance among traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market toward the Federal Government’s regulatory measures.

She emphasized that the fines were imposed to protect Nigerians from counterfeit and substandard drugs, and warned that those spreading inciting content may be violating the Cybercrime Act.

The NAFDAC boss further explained that the penalties were fairly and uniformly applied to all affected markets, in line with the agency’s legal mandate.

According to the statement:

“Between February 9 and March 27, 2025, NAFDAC carried out extensive enforcement operations across three major open drug markets—Idumota in Lagos, Aba in Abia State, and Onitsha in Anambra State. The operations led to the seizure and destruction of counterfeit, expired, banned, and substandard medicines and controlled substances valued at over ₦1 trillion.”

Investigations found that the affected warehouses, stores, and distribution outlets were not compliant with Good Storage and Distribution Practices (SDP) and were also not registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), both of which constitute violations of Nigerian law.

NAFDAC noted that the investigative charges levied on defaulting operators included:

• A ₦5 million fine for the sale of unregistered products, later reduced to ₦200,000 following appeals.

• A ₦2 million fine for violating SDP standards, later reduced to ₦500,000.

These fines, the agency stated, are official and were applied equally across all affected markets.

NAFDAC reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that all medical products available in Nigeria—including drugs, vaccines, and medical devices—are safe, effective, and of high quality.