The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned open-drug marketers against selling substandard drugs.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, issued the warning during an interview at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja.

Adeyeye noted that open-drug markets, located in Kano, Aba, Onitsha, and Lagos, sometimes aided the sale of substandard drugs.

She recalled that in the past, the control of patent medicine dealers was relieved from the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), leading to an influx of fake drugs into the country.

The NAFDAC boss disclosed that patent medicine dealers and open-drug marketers took PCN to court for nearly 10 years to continue their illegal activities and removed regulations.

She said, however, the matter took a turn with the intervention of a judge who ruled in favour of PCN on February 16.

Adeyeye stated that NAFDAC and PCN have upscaled their activities to protect Nigerians from bad medicine.

She noted that open-drug marketers have been relocated to the Kanawa coordinated centre in Kano, but cautioned them against selling substandard products.

“NAFDAC has implemented a multi-strategic mechanism to control substandard and falsified medicines, including 12 means of control.

“The agency also conducts “Clean Report Inspection Analysis” before approving drugs from countries like India and China.

“Additionally, the Port Inspectorate checks drugs at the port of entry and some are taken to the lab for testing.”

Adeyeye revealed that 180 approved products were stopped at the port from entering the country due to their substandard quality.

The NAFDAC boss warned importers of dangerous chemicals to desist, stating that the agency was working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to prevent such activities.

Borno Government has donated five operational vehicles and 15 motorcycles to the Nigerian Army to enhance security operations in Dikwa Local Government.

The donation was made by Gov. Babagana Zulum on Monday during a visit to the 24 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Dikwa.

Zulum, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur emphasized the importance of equipping security forces to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Zulum said that two of the five vehicles were for the Civilian Joint Task Force while the rest were for the army.

The governor commended the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ezekiel Bawa Barkins, for the military’s support in ensuring the successful resettlement of displaced persons in Dikwa and surrounding areas.

He urged the security agencies to remain vigilant and continue their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

He said the donation was Borno Government’s broader efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and support the military and local volunteers in combating insurgency and restoring normalcy across the state.

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) says that Local Government Administration is central to democracy in Nigeria as it ensures grassroots governance and service delivery at the local level.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Michael Nwoko, the Chief of Staff to the lawmaker in Abuja on Monday.

Nwoko said this on the occasion of the presentation of an award “Icon of Hope” to him by the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC).

He was represented by his Chief of Staff.

He said that the importance of local government administration in the country could not be overemphasised, as it was the bedrock of democracy.

According to him, local governments in Nigeria play key roles in the country’s democracy by promoting participatory democracy, providing services, and representing citizens.

“Local Governments help determine local needs and how to meet them. They also act as a link between the centre, state, and local people.

“They are created to decentralise power and bring the government closer to the people. They perform both mandatory and concurrent functions.

“It is in view of this that I took it upon myself to enhance the viability of local governments through the Paris and London club loan refunds, “he said.

Dr Folashade Olabanji-Oba, ALGOVC National Chairman, while presenting the award at its 7th Annual National Conference, said the award was in recognition of the lawmaker’s significant contributions to strengthening local government administration.

She highlighted Nwoko’s critical role in ensuring the Paris and London Club loan refunds, a financial breakthrough she said enhanced the capacity of local governments nationwide.