The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out a large-scale mop-up operation across key markets in Maiduguri, Borno State, following recent floodwaters that compromised food and drug supplies.
According to a press release signed by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, on Tuesday, the operation targeted markets such as the Gamboru drug and food market, Monday market, Open-Air Theatre drug market, and Gwange drug market.
This effort aimed to prevent the reintroduction of contaminated goods into the market, which could lead to disease outbreaks.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, ordered the immediate closure of the Gamboru market, where floodwaters had submerged the area.
Contaminated drugs had been washed and sun-dried for potential resale, prompting NAFDAC to conduct a shop-to-shop removal of the compromised products.
Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s Director for the North-East, highlighted the public health risks posed by the flood.
“The recent floods have severely compromised food and drug supplies, and our swift intervention is vital to ensure only safe products are available to the public,” he stated.
During the operation, compromised goods valued at over ₦5 billion were seized.
NAFDAC also closed manufacturing facilities in flood-affected areas for Good Manufacturing Practices reassessment.
The agency assured continued surveillance across Maiduguri to safeguard public health, urging the public to report suspicious or compromised products to NAFDAC offices.
