The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a task force on “Counterfeit, Fake Drugs, and Unwholesome Processed Foods” in Ebonyi State.

NAFDAC director-general Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the South-East zonal director, Festus Ukadike, inaugurated the task force in Abakaliki on Friday.

Ms Adeyeye said the inauguration was part of the agency’s efforts to combat the incidence of counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods.

The task force comprised representatives of NAFDAC, the state Ministry of Health, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Police Force.

Ms Adeyeye urged the people of Ebonyi to stand with the task force and forge a stronger team to confront the threats posed by counterfeit medicines and unsafe packaged foods.

“The mandate of the task force includes enforcing standards, conducting intelligence-driven surveillance, removing illegal products from circulation, and strengthening public awareness.

“The task force will also support legitimate manufacturers and traders by ensuring that compliant businesses are not undermined by counterfeiters and illegal operators,” he added.

The director-general expressed hope that with the implementation of the task force measures, NAFDAC would go a long way toward protecting public health, supporting honest businesses, and reducing the economic toll of counterfeit medicine-driven illnesses and inefficiencies.

Martins Iluyomade, the chairman, Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, who spoke via Zoom from Lagos, said the task force was backed by an Act of the National Assembly, Cap C34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Mr Iluyomade urged members to see it as a service to mankind and ensure that the country was free from fake drugs.

Emeka Orajaka, the NAFDAC coordinator in Ebonyi, said the inauguration of the task force was necessary to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Moses Ekuma, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, commended NAFDAC and pledged his support to ensure that the team succeeded in carrying out its duties.

The administration of the oath of office to members of the state task force was conducted by Jumbo Washington, the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Asaba.

(NAN)