News
‘NAFDAC should wake up’ — shock, outrage over fake products in circulation
In the last few hours, Nigerians have taken to social media to share their experience with fake products and called for actions from the regulatory bodies.
Over the weekend, officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) cracked down on fake wine factories in Abia state, shutting down several illegal markets suspected of selling adulterated beverages.
In a statement on Monday, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC director-general, said after an intelligence tip-off, the agency discovered that the “dastard activity has been going on for a long time and they operate like a cartel threatening anyone who dares challenge them”.
From fake drinks, drugs, cooking sauce, beverages to alcohols, the list is endless.
While some X users said NAFDAC did a great job in the past, some called on the agency to step up their regulation of products.
“Since Dora Akunyili left us alone in this evil world, we’ve been eating and drinking fake products. That woman looked out for us for real. Top 5 Nigerian to ever exist,” Imoh Umoren, a Nollywood film director, shared his view on X.
Below are reactions from X.
NAFDAC was one of the organisations I studied for my PhD between 2009 and 2012.
— Dr Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) December 19, 2023
I had the privilege of interviewing the late, great, Prof Dora Akunyili. I remember the interview as if it happened yesterday because I interviewed her at home and she insisted on cooking breakfast…
Late Dora Akunyili former head of NAFDAC who fought against fake drugs and products speaking on how to make Nigeria 🇳🇬 better.
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) December 19, 2023
She fought big companies and cartel and ended up losing her life for a better Nigeria 🇳🇬
Rest on legend 🕊️
pic.twitter.com/Tp0vubGsKh
Jokes apart, this is a national emergency, and if we are serious, the heads of NAFDAC and SON should be summoned to the Villa immediately, but yea, probably not happening. 🤷🏽♀️
— ‘Lami Apejoye (@MsLami_A) December 18, 2023
The main reason fake products are widespread in Nigeria is because NAFDAC is largely a toothless dog.
— Nicholas 'The Brave' Ibekwe (@nicholasibekwe) December 18, 2023
In fact, many NAFDAC officials are in cahoots with manufacturers of fake products.
NDLEA, NAFDAC, and SON should all be under General Buba Marwa 🥲
— Adamu Hayatu® (@AHayatu) December 19, 2023
NAFDAC can't keep up with this… No government agency can, even if all their staff were incorruptible and above being bribed..
— David Abdulrazak Atta (@the_davidatta) December 18, 2023
There needs to be a solid whistleblowing strategy that activates citizens policing..
Anything else is not going to work to stop these murderers. https://t.co/UVvzdE57pa
Immediate Rejig of NAFDAC & SON higher echelon will be of great benefit to Nigerians. The FG should do the needful to save the country from Fake products
— UNCLE DEJI™️ (@DejiAdesogan) December 19, 2023
By the time we eventually realize how badly infested Nigerian markets are with adulterated and repackaged expired products, there'll be nothing left for us to consume.
— Demola Of Lagos 𓃵 (@OmoGbajaBiamila) December 18, 2023
For a clearer perspective, just start counting the number of years from when Dora Akunyili left NAFDAC.
Yup!
Since Dora Akunyili left us alone in this evil world, we’ve been eating and drinking fake products Cuz. That woman looked out for us for real. Top 5 Nigerian to ever exist
— Imoh (@imohumoren) December 18, 2023
NAFDAC Number should be digitalized.
— Thεό Abu (@TheoAbuAgada) December 18, 2023
I should be able to check the authenticity of a product/Brand from the comfort of my home.
This NAFDAC director's energy is too low for an agency as critical as this. NAFDAC is clearly not doing enough. The agency is too laid back and that can only be attributed to the leadership of the agency.
— Steve M. Ozoba (@Donsteve0106) December 18, 2023
NAFDAC should wake up. That's just a tip of the iceberg. What's happening across the country is frightening. Fake products, especially drugs abound. Unfortunately the agency has been sleeping and enjoying the cozy office environment while citizens are at the mercy of criminals…
— Sunny Angel (@Pauly2570) December 18, 2023
NAFDAC should wake up. That's just a tip of the iceberg. What's happening across the country is frightening. Fake products, especially drugs abound. Unfortunately the agency has been sleeping and enjoying the cozy office environment while citizens are at the mercy of criminals…
— Sunny Angel (@Pauly2570) December 18, 2023
Dear President Tinubu,
— Ainà Dipo 🇳🇬 (@dipoaina1) December 19, 2023
Please! NAFDAC @NafdacAgency needs more enhancement and upgrade. It needs to be more revered than even efcc. Because there’s a deliberate attempt to poison and destroy every single citizens in Nigeria by selling fake products.
They are committing…
We are humorous about a lot of things here
— Stilo (@AyoStiloOniGAPS) December 19, 2023
But the fake or counterfeit products are scary.
Why would people do this for gain?
Why aren't NAFDAC doing something about it?
Imagine the health complications or death?
Please be careful out there.
Watch what you eat or drink.
𝑭𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑵𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒂…
— CitizenOlu (@jagabanolu) December 19, 2023
40% of all drinks, wine, alcohol, packaged food, electrical parts, phone chargers, spare parts, drugs like paracetamol and postinor, engine oil, bottled water etc. are all fake products manufactured in place like Aba and Onistha.… pic.twitter.com/TAFEzrTr0G
Consuming fake products and getting sick, only to treat yourself with fake drugs is one hell of a ride.
— Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) December 19, 2023
Are you recovering or dying slowly?
Everyone need to be careful with these fake products now. See what i found inside soy sauce just now. Watch till the end 🤮🤮😭 https://t.co/VNqyMUQkMi pic.twitter.com/QLMHPPPtnM
— Lola Okunrin (@lollypeezle) December 18, 2023
Avoid processed food.
— Doctor Of The Future™ (@g_diets_) December 19, 2023
You think, I'm doing this for myself.
Fake products everywhere.
Imagine that the original is bad for you, come to think of fake. pic.twitter.com/pi7HqhL8hb
News
FG shuts Eko bridge, ramps for eight-week repairs
The Federal Government has shut down the Eko Bridge and ramps for eight weeks to resurface the essential asphalt.
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made this known in a statement on Saturday morning in Lagos.
Kesha added that the closure will take effect from Friday, September 20, to Wednesday, November 20.
The statement read, “The Federal Ministry of Works plans essential asphalt resurfacing work on the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks, effective from Friday, Sept. 20, by 7.00 a.m., through November 20.
“The closure will be full at some sections of the bridge and partial at other sections.
“This critical project aims to improve road safety and enhance the driving experience of motorists.
“The work involves milling of the existing asphalt and relaying new asphalt on the bridge and Ramps. This will address wear and tear and ensure a smoother, safer roadway.”
According to her, due to the closure, there will be detours and alternate routes for drivers.
Providing information on how to navigate the area during the closure, she said motorists going to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should use the service lane at Alaka to connect Costain and access Eko Bridge.
“Island: Access Costain to connect Eko Bridge and link Apongbon
“Apongbon inwards Eko Bridge: Link Costain to access Funsho Williams Avenue
“For Costain inwards Alaka/Funsho Williams Avenue: Pass through Apapa Road from Costain and link Oyingbo to access Adekunle, then link to the Third Mainland Bridge
“Surulere: Use Costain to link Breweries inwards the Abebe Village to connect Eric Moore/Bode Thomas,” she said.
Kesha urged residents and businesses in the affected area to plan their travel accordingly. She assured the public that appropriate signage and traffic control measures would be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians.
She apologised for any inconvenience this might cause, saying that she appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as the ministry works to improve the country’s infrastructure.
News
Edo poll: Mercy Johnson’s husband escapes assassination attempt
Security personnel foiled an assassination attempt by armed men suspected to be political thugs on a federal lawmaker representing the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State, Henry Okojie.
Okojie’s media aide, Michael Ihaza, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, saying that Okojie, the husband of the Nollywood movie Star, Mercy Johnson, was reportedly attacked at his residence by gunmen in a Lexus GX 470 carrying a Rivers State vehicle registration number – PHC 253 FF.
The statement noted that the planned assassination “was unsuccessful owing to the intervention of security personnel attached to the lawmaker”.
“The armed thugs who disguised as police officers along with two others, invaded the residence of Hon. Okojie, claimed to be on appointment and proceeded to the seating room.
“Following the intervention of the security personnel attached to the lawmaker, two of the armed thugs fled leaving behind the driver and another who are currently being interrogated by officers from the Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Uromi.
“The suspects have so far made a confessional statement stating that they were sent on the mission by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Esan North East Local Government Area,” the statement added.
Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comments were not successful.
News
Edo guber: IGP restricts vehicular movement tomorrow
Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in Edo state during the governorship election.
In a statement on Friday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the restriction will begin from 6am to 6pm on Saturday.
Adejobi said individuals on essential services like officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media personnel, and emergency responders are exempted from the restriction.
The force spokesperson reaffirmed the ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling units and collation centers.
Adejobi said unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election.
“In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6am to 6pm on election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders,” the statement reads.
“To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres.
“Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.
“Furthermore, the IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all.
“The inspector-general of police, through the deputy inspector-general (DIG) for Edo gubernatorial election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.
“The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are: DIG Frank Mba, mni; 07025000383 and AIG Benneth Igwe, mni; 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already-activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.”
On Saturday, voters in Edo will determine who succeeds Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, for the next four years from the 17 political parties participating in the election.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) are the leading political parties in the election.
-
Education5 days ago
Lagos state government justifies boarding fee hike for student welfare
-
Education1 week ago
Lagos state government increases boarding fees from N35,000 to N100,000 per term
-
Business4 days ago
CBN constitutes new Keystone Bank board, names Ada Chukwudozie chair
-
Politics1 week ago
I never said I’ll settle for VP in 2027 — fifth columnists distorted my remarks, says Obi
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Dammy Krane petitions police over rift with Davido, demands $500k payment
-
World1 week ago
Comoros president wounded in knife attack
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Gospel singer Testimony Jaga gives Portable 3 days to apologise for slapping preacher
-
Politics1 week ago
Kogi PDP ward exco suspends Dino Melaye over anti-party activities