RAYMOND OZOJI reports
The Anambra State Government has taken stronger steps to stop fake drugs, unsafe food and other harmful products from being sold to people in the state inorder to save lives as well as guarantee public health.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ben Afam Obidike, said this during a meeting with government agencies and other stakeholders on how to protect people from dangerous drugs, food and other harmful products.
He called for quick action against people who produce or sell fake drugs, make unsafe food products or engage in other activities that can put people’s health at risk. He also called for more public education across the 21 local government areas so that people can understand the dangers and know how to buy safe and approved products.
The Commissioner said the government plans to introduce a toll-free phone number where members of the public can report people selling fake drugs, producing illegal drugs, adulterating food or engaging in other harmful activities.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor, said his ministry would support the campaign by educating the public and working with other government agencies. He said people who deliberately break safety rules should face appropriate action.
Mefor expressed concern about fake prescription and lifesaving drugs and the use of harmful substances to prepare food. He called for better monitoring, a special task force and quick action whenever members of the public report suspicious activities.
He also said the state government was working towards establishing a drug shop at Oba to help address illegal drug activities and strengthen efforts to deal with offenders.
The Head of NAFDAC in Anambra State, Dr Louis Madubuattah, called for more education for food producers, food sellers and everyone involved in preparing and distributing food.
He said NAFDAC carried out about 492 inspections and other routine activities in Anambra in 2025, leading to more than 100 sanctions. In 2026, the agency had carried out more than 300 such activities, with about 71 sanctions recorded.
He suggested a one-month public awareness campaign using radio, other media platforms and direct meetings with food producers and handlers. He said stronger action should follow against people who knowingly break the rules.
The SON State Coordinator, Engr. Wariboko Fidelis, said keeping harmful products away from the public requires everyone involved in the production and supply chain to play their part.
He said farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers all have important roles to play. He also called for better cooperation and information sharing among agencies such as SON and NAFDAC.
Wariboko stressed that no single government agency can solve the problem alone, making cooperation among all relevant agencies and stakeholders necessary.
Other people present at the meeting included the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Ben Odoemena; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Obiageli Uchebo; Director, National Orientation Agency, Anambra State, Bar. Ifeoma Chijioke; WHO representative in the state, Dr Mohammed Bonus; and other stakeholders.
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