The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it is set to sensitise broadcast media organisations on illegal drug advertisements.

“We want to embark on sensitisation to broadcast media organisations for them to stop collecting illegal advertisements,” the agency’s coordinator in Kaduna, Nasiru Mato, told journalists on Monday in Kaduna.

He said there were illegal advertisements about drugs both on radio and television, which needed to be addressed to protect the citizenry’s health.

“The electronic media should clarify the genuineness of adverts from the agency before advertising it.

“It is not just about the money gotten through the advertisement of the products, but safeguarding public health by checking the genuineness of products.”

Mr Mato said that the agency would also sensitise Kaduna residents on door-to-door advertisements.

“Manufacturers of NAFDAC regulated products must ensure that they follow due process to secure advert permit.

“The content of the advert is scrutinised and vetted before an authorisation is given.

“Any unapproved advertisement is viewed as illegal, and such violation will attract serious sanctions,” he said.

The NAFDAC coordinator said illegal advertisements were dangerous and unacceptable, adding that the agency will not tolerate misleading adverts.

“All adverts must be verified and confirmed before broadcasting within the ambit of the law.”

He listed some of the punitive actions against any advert violations to include but are not limited to arrest, administrative penalties and seizures.

(NAN)