Expired goods flood Niger markets, endanger public health – Volunteers
Volunteers operating under the name of the National Community Ethics and Environmental values have raised the alarm warning that expired goods and drinks stocked by traders are being sold to innocent customers in Niger markets.
The Niger State Commandant,
National Community Ethics and Environmental values, Abubakar Sa’adu Ndayako stated this in a press briefing in Minna at the weekend.
He explained that his men have been working in collaboration with NAFDAC to stop the circulation of expired drugs and packaged food items in Niger state, adding that, “we have discovered that some traders are engaged in the unethical behaviour of selling expired goods, drinks and soup condiments like Maggi to unsuspecting customers most of whom are villagers “.
Ndayako explained that few weeks ago, his organisation handed over expired goods worth over five million naira, confiscated from traders in Bida area of the state, to NAFDAC for destruction.
He lamented that despite coordinated sensitizations on the health hazards, the traders have continued to sell expired goods in markets and shops in Niger state, adding that, this has constituted serious danger to the health of the people. Many people especially those from the villages have very often become ill after consuming these expired goods without knowing the cause of their illness “.
He expressed dismay over the unscrupulous activities of traders who he accused of packaing expired goods to local markets from Minna instead of returning such to their manufacturer or surrendering them for destruction.
According to him, ” the National Community Ethics and Environmental Values has the mandate to ensure strict adherence to ethical values and behaviour of the citizens in all areas of our national endeavour. We have been working under the full support of security agencies including the police, NDLEA, NAFDAC to clear off expired goods in the state “.
He explained that the organisation has been keeping track on some traders using trucks to transport expired goods to Gwada, Kuta, Sarkin Pawa areas of the state. In addition, we have discovered many expired goods at Kure Market Minna and we have contacted the police and NAFDAC for necessary backup for an operation to seized such goods which are now poisonous.
“We have also seized trailer loads of expired drinks, goods and other expired consumables in Mokwa local government area of Niger state which will be handed over to NAFDAC in due course, adding that those involved will soon face the wrath of the law”, he explained.
