NAFDAC intensifies fight against fake drugs with digital innovation- Official

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it’s strengthening regulatory operations through technology-driven tools and intensifying surveillance to combat substandard and falsified medicines.

Mr Khamis Yahaya, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the agency, said this in an interview with the our correspondent on Tuesday in Bauchi.

Yahaya said that the agency had adopted several digital innovations to improve reporting, verification and tracking of regulated products.

According to him, the Med Safety App enables users to report adverse drug reactions and post-immunisation events, even in areas with poor network coverage, as reports are automatically transmitted once connectivity is restored.

“The NAFDAC Green Book App allows consumers, healthcare workers and other stakeholders to verify registered products by checking details such as registration status, manufacturer information, active ingredients, batch numbers and expiry dates.

“The agency also conducts risk-based sampling and laboratory analysis, where products are collected from markets and tested in accredited laboratories.

“The regulatory actions, including public alerts, product recalls and enforcement measures are taken when products fail to meet required standards,” he said.

Yahaya, however, identified challenges in drug storage and transportation, particularly for temperature-sensitive medicines.

“Some temperature-sensitive drugs are found improperly stored on shelves. Poor storage conditions and lack of cold-chain systems often lead to reduced drug potency,” he said.

He said that the agency also monitors distribution practices, noting that unsafe transportation methods remain a major concern in the supply chain.

“The agency conducted over 25 surveillance inspections within a single month. The exercise is continuous and mandatory, even without prior alerts.

“It also engages in community sensitisation, targeting patent medicine vendors and other drug sellers.

“In 2025, the agency held sensitisation programmes in Bauchi and Katagum, with over 500 participants in attendance, aimed at educating sellers on proper handling of medicines and encouraging compliance with regulatory standards,” he said.

The NAFDAC coordinator said that the agency also works closely with the media to educate consumers on fake and substandard products.

“Empowering consumers remains a key strategy. Public awareness has significantly improved in recent years, with more people now able to check expiry dates and verify product authenticity,” he said.

Yahaya noted that the agency recorded notable progress in 2024 and 2025, including improved awareness and reduced circulation of falsified medicines.

He attributed the success to sustained enforcement, technology deployment and public engagement.