The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled two cutting-edge mobile tools—Scan2Verify and the NAFDAC Green Book—designed to bolster the fight against counterfeit medicines across Nigeria.
These innovations were introduced during a two-day sensitisation workshop held in Gombe, which brought together healthcare stakeholders from diverse sectors. Attendees were guided through the use of the newly launched Scan2Verify App and the Green Book App, both developed to ensure the authentication of medicines and safeguard public health.
The event specifically targeted pharmaceutical vendors, doctors, and healthcare workers, underlining the critical need for widespread adoption of these technologies to curb the circulation of fake medicines and promote consumer safety.
Addressing participants at the workshop, NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye—represented by the Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Mr Bitrus Fraden—reiterated the agency’s assurance that all medicines registered by NAFDAC are safe and can only be accessed through approved distribution channels.
Professor Adeyeye elaborated that the Green Book App acts as a digital directory of authorised medicines, enabling users to easily confirm the legitimacy of drugs. “Users can swiftly verify a drug’s authenticity, with any product not listed being considered counterfeit,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the North-Eastern Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr Chike Obiano, described the Scan2Verify App as a groundbreaking tool, highlighting its robust security features and role in foiling counterfeiters, whom he called “merchants of death.” He explained that verification should begin at the point of sale, where retailers confirm the authenticity of products purchased from wholesalers. “In essence, the public can now sleep soundly at night with the introduction of this Scan2Verify App,” Mr Obiano remarked.
NAFDAC’s Gombe State Coordinator, Mr James Agada, shared that the agency had launched a nationwide sensitisation drive, beginning with one state from each of the six geopolitical zones. He added that other states would be included in the next phases, ensuring nationwide coverage.
To bring the campaign to the grassroots, Agada explained that representatives from relevant organisations are receiving training to pass on their knowledge within their communities, including rural areas.
Participants at the workshop, including patent medicine dealers and shop owners, praised NAFDAC’s initiative as both timely and vital. Among them, Hakubu Yusuf and Hauwa Musa commended the training as a major stride towards addressing the threat of counterfeit medicines.
In closing, NAFDAC reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to shut down fake drug markets in locations such as Lagos and Onitsha. The agency also stressed the importance of public vigilance, encouraging individuals to verify the authenticity of their medicines and make safe health choices.