Edo State Launches Crackdown on Fake Drugs, and Unsafe Food Products with New Task Force

Edo State Launches Crackdown on Fake Drugs, and Unsafe Food Products with New Task Force 

Habiba Sam 

In a renewed commitment to safeguard community well-being and shield residents from hazardous commodities, the Nigerian Federal Government, spearheaded by the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, in conjunction with the Edo State Administration and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has initiated the formation of national enforcement teams to combat the proliferation of illegal substances, imitation medications, and substandard processed edibles throughout the nation.

Aligned with its SHINE Agenda, the Edo State Government has embraced this initiative to bolster regulatory enforcement and adherence to public health benchmarks. Consequently, the State officially inaugurated its specialized Task Force dedicated to addressing Counterfeit and Forged Pharmaceuticals and Unsafe Processed Foods, aiming to guarantee the security and health of its populace.

Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhile, who assumed the chairmanship of the Edo State Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food, also serving as the Commissioner for Health, characterized the circulation of harmful drugs and unhealthy foodstuffs as a grave danger to human existence.

He highlighted that this pervasive issue insidiously claims lives, undermines the healthcare system, erodes public confidence, and disproportionately impacts the impoverished and vulnerable segments of society.

Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized that the inauguration was more than a ceremonial occasion; it represented a direct call to action to eradicate all forms of health-endangering substances within the State.

 He vowed that the task force would operate with integrity, professionalism, and transparency, expressing his readiness to collaborate with pertinent agencies, manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and the judicial system to dismantle networks profiting from human suffering.

He also extended gratitude to both the Federal and Edo State Governments for their steadfast support in the ongoing battle against counterfeit drugs and illicit products.

Providing insights on behalf of NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the NAFDAC South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Oligbu Chukwuma Philip, outlined the enforcement initiative and its core objectives.

He described the task force as a vital regulatory mechanism designed to reinforce enforcement, coordinate intelligence gathering, sustain public education, and foster community involvement to protect public health.

Additionally, the Edo State NAFDAC Coordinator, Mrs. Esther Itua, remarked that the fight against fake drugs and substandard processed foods cannot be waged by NAFDAC alone.

She expressed confidence that with the combined efforts of the newly established task force, substantial advancements could be made in safeguarding the health and safety of Edo State citizens.

A key highlight of the event was the official swearing-in of the members of the Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, conducted by NAFDAC’s Legal Officer for Investigation and Enforcement, Barrister Adumen Jumbo Washington, Esq.