The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged Nigerians to help combat counterfeit medical products. The agency emphasized that the newly introduced Greenbook verification app would assist in achieving this goal.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this appeal on Wednesday. She spoke at the sensitization and awareness workshop on the Greenbook, traceability project, and pediatric policy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
How Greenbook Helps Identify Fake Drugs
The Greenbook app serves as a comprehensive database of registered drugs in Nigeria. Prof. Adeyeye stated that the app helps regulators and consumers verify the authenticity of medical products.
NAFDAC developed this tool to counter the increasing sophistication of counterfeiters. Fraden Bitrus, Director of the Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate at NAFDAC, represented Adeyeye at the event.
Bitrus explained that counterfeiters continue to refine their illegal trade. To keep up, NAFDAC must use technology-driven solutions to combat their activities effectively.
“The Greenbook is an online platform that allows users to verify drug authenticity. Users can enter the product name, brand, or registration number for verification. If the product appears in the Greenbook, it means NAFDAC has registered it as safe for use,” Bitrus said.
Nigeria Leads Africa in Digital Drug Verification
NAFDAC has positioned Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s fight against counterfeit drugs. Prof. Adeyeye revealed that Nigeria is the first country in Africa and the second in the world to implement this digital verification system.
The agency called on stakeholders in the healthcare sector to support initiatives that eliminate counterfeit drugs. NAFDAC emphasized the importance of ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and high-quality medicines.
Rivers State Commits to Fighting Counterfeit Drugs
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, reaffirmed the state’s support for NAFDAC’s anti-counterfeit efforts.
Speaking at the event, Oreh pledged the state’s commitment to tackling counterfeit drugs. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and regulatory agencies.
Quanta Dappa, the Rivers State Coordinator for Drug and Substance Abuse Control, represented Oreh at the workshop. She commended NAFDAC for its relentless efforts in safeguarding public health.
“NAFDAC remains committed to eliminating substandard drugs in Nigeria. Rivers State operates a task force on counterfeit, fake, and substandard drugs. NAFDAC plays a crucial role in this initiative. We will continue working together to shut down illegal drug operations,” Oreh stated.
NAFDAC Maintains Zero Tolerance for Fake Drugs
NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Oligbu Chukwuma, assured Nigerians that the agency has strict monitoring measures in place. These efforts focus on curbing counterfeit drug distribution across the country.
Chukwuma stated that state coordinators submit monthly reports on their anti-counterfeit operations. These reports include on-site inspections and enforcement actions.
“I personally visit different states in the zone to evaluate their progress in fighting counterfeit drugs. NAFDAC enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on fake and substandard medical products,” he said.
How to Download and Use the Greenbook App
NAFDAC encouraged Nigerians to download the Greenbook app and verify medical products before purchase or use.
The app is available on both Apple Store and Google Play Store. Users can access it through this link: greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng.
By using the Greenbook app, consumers and healthcare professionals can actively help eliminate counterfeit drugs. This initiative strengthens Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market by ensuring only safe and verified drugs remain available.
