NAFDAC inaugurates Taskforce on fake drugs, unwholesome processed foods in Ebonyi
NAFDAC Inaugurates Ebonyi State Taskforce to Combat Counterfeit Drugs and Unsafe Foods
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) formally inaugurated the Ebonyi State Taskforce on “Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods” on [insert date]. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from NAFDAC, the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Dr. Festus Ukadike, NAFDAC’s Director for the South East Zone, provided an overview of the taskforce’s enforcement initiative and its objectives. He emphasized the need for Ebonyi State to take a proactive approach in addressing the escalating threats posed by counterfeit medications and unsafe packaged foods.
“The taskforce will enforce standards, facilitate intelligence-driven surveillance, eliminate illegal products from the market, and support legitimate manufacturers,” Ukadike explained. He further detailed that the taskforce would engage in coordinated market inspections and rapid testing while ensuring transparent reporting to the Chairman of the Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods.
Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Chairman of the Federal Taskforce, participated via Zoom from Lagos State, asserting that the taskforce operates under a legal framework established by the National Assembly, which gives it precedence over any state-level taskforce.
Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, characterized the circulation of harmful drugs and unhealthy foods as a critical threat to public health. He noted that such issues not only weaken healthcare systems but disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
“This inauguration is not merely ceremonial,” Ekuma stated, calling it a “call to action” for taskforce members to actively work against health-threatening substances.
Mr. Emeka Orajiaka, NAFDAC’s Coordinator for Ebonyi State, underscored the importance of collaboration in combating counterfeit drugs and unsafe foods. He expressed confidence that the taskforce could make significant advancements in safeguarding the health of residents.
Dr. Gabriel Ajah, Chairman of the Taskforce, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, assured participants that the taskforce would operate with professionalism, integrity, and transparency. He pledged to collaborate with relevant agencies to dismantle networks profiting from unsafe products.
The newly established taskforce sets out to strengthen the fight against counterfeit drugs and unwholesome processed foods in Ebonyi State, with a commitment to protecting public health.
