…As NAFDAC DG, PCN Registrar, NDLEA Chair, Others Commend Ganduje
From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie E. Ehanire, has commended Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for taking the lead in the fight against drug abuse, counterfeiting and sale of fake drugs.
Dr. Enahire who spoke as the Special Guest of Honor, during the commissioning of the first phase of Kanawa Pharmaceutical Coordinated Wholesales Center, named Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Pharmaceutical Complex, urged other state Governors to hugely invest in such projects that discourage drug abuse, counterfeiting and distribution of illicit drugs.
The Minister who commissioned the facility, described it as a world-class project designed to delete Kano from the top list of states known for use and abuse of illicit and fake drugs.
He recalled how Sabon Gari drug market and other cluster drug plazas within Kano metropolis had contributed to the distribution of fake and illicit drugs, but heaved a sigh of relief that the commissioned Coordinated Wholesale Center (CWC) otherwise known as Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Pharmaceutical Complex, under the Kanawa Pharmaceuticals and Partners (KPP), will go a long way towards solving the nagging problems of drug abuse and sale of fake drugs in Kano state.
In her address, the Director-General of National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye, described the project as a facility built upon the pillars of protecting the health of Nigerians.
According to her, “we are here today to protect our health. Because of this edifice, we will have more confidence in the drugs we take. NAFDAC ensures that the drugs we buy is of good quality.
“NAFDAC, through this facility will inspect the drugs that people buy. Today, Kano has become a model that other states should follow.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Buba Marwa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Agency, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, said: “This has never happened anywhere in Nigeria, except in Kano. This will help in the reduction of drug abuse in the state.”
The Chairman of Dala Inland Dryport, Alhaji Ahmad Rabi’u, in his goodwill message, recalled how he talked Governor Ganduje into making the project a dream come true through Brains and Hammers.
He commended Ganduje’s political will in making the project a reality and also praised the management of Jaiz Bank for their immense contribution.
The Emir of Kano, His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, expressed happiness that with the facility, drug abuse and sale of illicit drugs in Kano Will become a thing of the past.
The Royal Father commended the efforts of the Taskdorce Against Drug abuse in Kano, including agents of the Department of State Security (DSS), Police, army and other para-military agencies who fought tirelessly against drug abuse in the state.
The Registrar of Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, said: “The journey for the establishment of Kano CWC has been quite interesting, but rewarding ranging from advisory visit/location approval of the site to continuous monitoring to ensure the stakeholders build according to approved specification, having series of meetings to ensure compliance, up to preregistration inspection that was conducted on 22 December, 2022.
“The PCN has been monitoring the various steps being taken by KPP Ltd towards addressing the compliance issues raised during the last inspection conducted on the facility and its convinced that soon, all the issues shall be addressed.
“I will want to use this opportunity to once more appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for all his unwavering support granted to the stakeholders for the successful establishment of Kano CWC. Indeed, His Excellency has written his name on gold.
“I also want to appreciate Brains and Hammers Ltd, Jaiz Bank Plc and the Management Board of Kanawa Pharmaceutical Partners (KPP) Ltd for being focused and committed to delivering this project. You have set the pace for other Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the rest CWCs to copy.
“My appreciation also goes to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kano branch, for your contribution and enthusiasm towards completion of this project.
“It is, indeed, a new dawn for the good people of Kano state and Nigeria in general. I sincerely believe that with the commissioning of Kano CWC today, the rest of the CWCs different stages of development across the Federation shall be encouraged to do the needful.
“The PCN will also step up the momentum of monitoring and supervision to ensure that we achieve their completion in no distant time.”
Ganduje who was visibly elated over the completion of the project said the facility will, indeed, solve the problem of drug abuse in Kano state.
According to him, with the facility in place, the era of selling counterfeit and expired drugs in Kano has come to an end.
He said the project became a reality, as a result of the political will demonstrated by his administration, adding that the input of security agencies and other stakeholders also helped towards achieving the feat.
“I am so happy that the Federal Government is interested in this project. With this regulatory market, the sale of counteefeit and expired drugs is over in Kano.
“In the market, we have offices for all the regulatory agencies. This market is the only legal place where you can sell wholesale drugs in Kano state. All other locations will be closed down. If you are found wanting, you will face the wrath of the law.”
