PTF warns consumers of massive unregistered hand sanitisers in Abuja

*Nigerians urged to purchase sanitisers, other pharmaceutical products from credible sources

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In what appears like a bombshell to a broad spectrum of the Nigerian consumers in view of the strategic importance of the product amid the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Nigeria’s Presidential Task force (PTF) on COVID-19 has revealed that 63 percent of hand sanitisers in circulation within Abuja, FCT, have no mandatory NAFDAC registration.

Mr. Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the PTF on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) disclosed this during the daily briefing of the PTF COVID-19 in the country’s capital.

The PTF Chairman said: “As part of the non-pharmaceutical measures, we recommended in line with global practice, the use of hand sanitisers.

“Ordinarily, that ought to stimulate local production because of increased demand.

“We regret to inform you that a survey conducted by the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), to check the influx of substandard goods into the market, revealed that 63 percent of alcohol-based sanitisers in Abuja do not have NAFDAC registration numbers.

According to Mustapha, “there could also be similar situations around the country. The Hon. Minister of Health has consequently issued an advisory to the general public to procure their sanitisers and other pharmaceutical products from credible sources.”

Meanwhile, the SGF has appealed to Nigerians and requested that they should desist from manufacturing sub-standard goods, which could further endanger other unsuspecting Nigerians who innocently purchase them.

He stated: “Now is the time to turn adversity into victory by growing our entrepreneurial skills and industrial base.

“Let us find growth at the end of the pandemic. Today, we have been compelled to add the fight against fake products to our national response.”