NAFDAC Evacuates 140 Tonnes of Expired Drugs in Aba, Uncovers Re-labelling Operation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully evacuated 140 tonnes of expired and unregistered drugs from Aba, Abia State, to its facility in Anambra State, in a major crackdown on counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

Omoyeni Babatunji, Deputy Director of Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC Federal Taskforce for the South-South and South-East regions, confirmed the operation during a press briefing on Saturday. He revealed that over 178 drug samples collected from the site will undergo thorough laboratory investigation to assess the extent of contamination and potential public health risks.

Major Discovery in Osisioma LGA and Beyond
The expired drugs were primarily seized from a warehouse located in Umummeje, Umuocheala, in Osisioma Local Government Area. Notably, the evacuation did not include products from the Ariaria International Market drug shops, indicating a larger issue within the region.

During the operation, NAFDAC officials also uncovered two additional warehouses filled with expired drugs at No. 269 Sam Mbakwe Road (formerly Faulk’s Road), Aba. However, officials discovered that some of the expired drugs had already been re-labelled and secretly moved before security personnel arrived.

"The suspects managed to remove several cartons of expired but re-labelled drugs before our team returned with security reinforcements," Babatunji stated.

Evacuation of the newly discovered stockpiles began on Saturday evening, with NAFDAC prioritising the removal of high-risk substances.

Urgent Call for Wholesale Control Centres (CWCs)
Babatunji stressed the importance of establishing a Drug Warehouse Wholesale Control Centre (CWC) in Aba to prevent future occurrences of drug counterfeiting and mishandling.

"The ongoing discovery of expired drugs being re-labelled and circulated into markets highlights the urgent need for a CWC in Aba," he explained. “This initiative aligns with NAFDAC’s commitment to achieving Maturity Level 3 (ML3), as set by the World Health Organization (WHO), for regulatory excellence.”

NAFDAC has been actively engaging the governors of Abia and Anambra States to push forward the establishment of these control centres, aimed at centralising the regulation of pharmaceutical warehouses and improving market oversight.

A Disturbing Trend: Counterfeit Drugs in Circulation
Luis Madubuata, another NAFDAC Deputy Director, described the discovery as “horrifying and worrisome”, shedding light on the scale of the counterfeit drug crisis in Aba.

"Through intelligence gathered from ongoing collaborative operations with security agencies, we discovered these stockpiles where expired products were being re-labelled and distributed into the market," Madubuata said.

Although no arrests have been made yet, officials noted evidence suggesting the culprits fled shortly before NAFDAC’s arrival, leaving behind personal belongings, including switched-on refrigerators and other appliances.

Madubuata expressed optimism that local law enforcement would soon apprehend the suspects, ensuring they face the full weight of the law.

Government Support Fuels NAFDAC’s Progress
The operation’s success was partly attributed to the support from the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti. Madubuata commended the administration for its cooperation and commitment to public safety.

"Our operations in Aba have been seamless thanks to the government’s backing, allowing us to act without interference and make real progress," he added.

Public Health Risks and Industry Regulation
The discovery raises serious concerns about the scale of counterfeit and expired drugs entering Nigerian markets. Re-labelled expired drugs pose severe health risks, including treatment failures, drug resistance, and potential fatalities.

NAFDAC’s intensified push for coordinated warehouse systems and stricter regulations aims to curb such illegal practices and safeguard public health.

As investigations continue, NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, urging stakeholders to support its mission in tackling counterfeit drugs head-on.