By Ogalla Daniel
The Kogi State Government has announced renewed efforts to curb the circulation and sale of fake, substandard, and expired drugs across the state.
Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supply Management Agency, Pharm. Salamat Onize, made this known while speaking with the State House of Assembly Correspondents, shortly after defending the agency’s 2026 budget in Lokoja.
Pharm. Onize said the agency has intensified strategies to end the distribution of fake drugs, adding that mechanisms have also been deployed to curb the diversion of drugs meant for public health facilities.
According to her, “If you visit our agency today, you will see that the State Government has built a fully equipped quality control laboratory. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that no fake or substandard drug finds its way into our system.”
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She added that the government recently sponsored a study tour to strengthen the agency’s capacity to combat the menace.
“We will not allow drug diversion in Kogi State. For the first time, the State Government has taken drugs to the doorsteps of all hospitals. We now have a dedicated vehicle that delivers drugs to every public health facility in the state,” she explained.
Pharm. Onize further noted that, beginning in 2026, quality control testing will be carried out on a full scale to verify the authenticity of drugs supplied by manufacturers.
She praised Governor Usman Ododo, for his commitment to ensuring that quality drugs remain accessible and affordable to residents despite the prevailing economic challenges.
Looking ahead, she expressed optimism that the agency will triple its supply of essential drugs and medical consumables to primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions in 2026.
She also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected circulation of fake drugs, stressing that the agency is determined to safeguard public health.
“We are appealing to the public to partner with us. If you see any suspicious drug product in circulation, report it. Together, we can protect the health of our people,”she said.
