BY CHIOMA OBINNA

IN furtherance of its efforts to rid Nigeria of fake and counterfeiting products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) weekend held a stakeholders’ forum at Idiroko, a border town in Ogun State.

Before now, Idiroko, was said to have provided easier routes for the inflow of unwholesome regulated products into Nigeria. According to residents of the area, the presence of NAFDAC and willingness  of stakeholders, the menace has been drastically reduced to almost non existent.

Addressing the large gathering of chiefs, traditional rulers of various classes, men and women, youths, students, members of the Nigeria customs Services, importers and exporters in the border town, Director General of the Agency, Dr. Paul Orhii declared that the fight against fake and counterfeit products should not be left for NAFDAC alone, but individuals should search their minds and find a way of contributing to the life-saving venture.

Orhii who stressed that Idiroko is a gateway to Nigeria announced that traditional rulers across the country have agreed to collaborate with NAFDAC to boost the war against counterfeiters at the grassroots. He noted that the collaboration has yielded significant achievements since then.

“Everyone is a potential victim of fake products.  I appeal to Nigerians to search among themselves to see how they can help NAFDAC.  Report any suspicious activities in your area”.

He debunked claims by some herbal medicine manufacturers that NAFDAC has authenticated the efficacy of their products saying, “NAFDAC only checks if the products are safe for consumption and not efficacy.”  Orhii advised Nigerians to be wary of such advertisement.

NAFDAC Unit Head, Idiroko, Mr. Paul Abiem, who confirmed that incidence of smuggling of fake, unwholesome and counterfeit products were very high before he was posted to the area disclosed that NAFDAC has been able to register over 200 products in the community.

Abiem said the agency through partnership with Customs and clearing agents and importers in the area have been able to stem the tide of smuggling of unregistered and fake products into the community through the land border.

High- point of the event was the foundation -stone laying ceremony of NAFDAC office complex in Idiroko by the DG.