NAFDAC Inaugurates Task Force Against Fake Drugs In Kano

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a special task force in Kano State to curb the proliferation of fake drugs and unsafe food products in a renewed push to protect public health.

At the event in Kano at the office of the secretary to the state government office, the agency’s director-general, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening enforcement against counterfeit and substandard regulated products.

Represented by the agency’s North-West zonal director, Mr. Fraden Nantim-Mullah, Adeyeye said the task force would operate under the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate as a federal operational arm.

She warned that counterfeit medicines and unwholesome foods posed serious public health risks, undermine confidence in the healthcare system, and threaten economic stability.

“Kano’s position as a major commercial hub makes it vulnerable to the circulation of falsified products across local and regional markets,” she said.

Adeyeye said the committee would carry out intelligence gathering, surveillance, raids, seizure of illegal products, arrests, and prosecution of offenders, alongside public sensitisation campaigns.

She added that the operations were backed by existing laws, including the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act.

The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Umar Farouk, said the reconstitution of the task force was necessary to tackle rising cases of drug abuse and counterfeit products.

He noted that youths, who make up a significant portion of the population, were the most affected by illicit substances, describing the trend as a growing social concern.

“Recent reports of families seeking rehabilitation for their children reflect the urgent need to disrupt supply chains of fake drugs and unwholesome products across the state,” he said.

Farouk assured the committee of government support, urging members to resist inducement and remain committed to their mandate.

In his remarks, chairman of the task force, Pharm. Kamilu Salisu, pledged the committee’s commitment to tackling the menace and urged the public to report suspicious activities.

He added that, the task force was empowered to conduct raids, seize illegal products, seal premises, and prosecute offenders in line with existing laws and regulations.

While Kamilu Salisu from the Ministry of Health would serve as the chairman, NAFDAC Kano coordinator, Kassim Ibrahim will serve as secretary of the committee.