NAFDAC seizes expired, unregistered products worth N15m in Niger

On Saturday, Niger’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized expired and unregistered goods worth more than N15 million.

This was stated by Mr. Shaba Mohammed, Director of NAFDAC’s North Central Zone, during the search of 24 commercial buildings in Niger’s Bida Local Government Area.

“We started our routine trip to Bida, where we raided 24 commercial properties, including pharmacies and grocery stores.

“Pharmaceutical products, including drugs that were out-of-date and unregistered were seized during the raid.

“Unregistered and out-of-date food, soft drinks, vegetable oil, spaghetti, tomato paste, and cosmetics were found in some of the supermarkets.

“The seized goods are worth more than N15 million, he said.

Mohammed said that during the exercise, two supermarkets and two pharmacies were sealed for lowering standards in their operations.

“Depending on the offense committed, he added, some of the affected people would be sent to the enforcement directorate for additional investigation. He claimed that NAFDAC had invited the affected people to Minna for questioning.

“The Director advised the general public to confirm any product they purchased was safe for consumption by looking at the production and expiration dates.

“Check to see if the product dates have not been altered.

“We want to take advantage of this opportunity to urge the public to report any suspicious activity to the local NAFDAC office so that appropriate action can be taken, the official added.

He expressed gratitude to Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, for aiding the agency in carrying out its obligations in the region.