By Asmau Ahmad
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said it is set to embark on sensitisation to broadcast media organisations on illegal drug advertisement.
The agency’s Coordinator in Kaduna State, Nasiru Mato, told newsmen in Kaduna that “there are illegal advertisements about drugs both on radio and television which needed to be addressed to protect the health of the citizenry.
“We want to embark on sensitisation to broadcast media organisations for them to stop collecting illegal advertisement. The electronic media should clarify the genuineness of adverts from the agency before advertising it.
“It is not just about the money gotten through the advertisement of the products, but safeguarding public health by checking the genuineness of products,” he said.
Mato said that the agency would also sensitise Kaduna residents on door-to-door advertisement.
According to him, NAFDAC has stipulated guidelines and requirements for issuance of advert permit.
“Manufacturers of NAFDAC regulated products must ensure that they follow due process to secure advert permit. The content of the advert is scrutinised and vetted before authorisation is given.
“Any unapproved advertisement is viewed as illegal, and such violation will attract serious sanctions.”
The NAFDAC coordinator said illegal advertisements were dangerous and totally unacceptable.
He added that “the agency will not tolerate any misleading advert or claims either on product label or otherwise.
“All adverts must be verified and confirmed before broadcasting within the ambit of the law.”
He listed some of the punitive actions against any advert violations to include but not limited to arrest, administrative penalty and seizures.
He added that NAFDAC in Kaduna would not relent in the discharge of its duty of safeguarding public health by stepping up surveillance and monitoring activities in every nook and cranny of the state.
