The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) destroyed 491,000 tramadol tablets valued at N91 million in Kano State on Wednesday.
The seized drugs, confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, were destroyed in a ceremony witnessed by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
Speaking at the event, Adeyeye thanked the NCS for successfully intercepting the consignment and handing it over to NAFDAC. She said, “We are pleased to have you witness this important exercise today. On May 28th, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, successfully intercepted and handed over 491 rolls containing 10 x 10 x 10 tablets each, equivalent to 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225 mg.”
She added, “The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives.”
In line with international best practices for the destruction of pharmaceutical products, the agency invited journalists to witness the exercise, which used an incinerator. Adeyeye noted, “According to the NCS, the duty value of this consignment would have been N91 million.”
The NAFDAC DG further stated, “The operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade.”
“We remain committed to strengthening this partnership, in line with our national action plan and memorandum of understanding between the two foremost agencies of government,” she added.
Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians and urged anyone with information on those perpetrating such acts to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.
The destruction took place at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and was witnessed by the NAFDAC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the AKTH Chief Medical Director.
