NAFDAC Introduces Greenbook App to Curb Fake Drug Circulation in Nigeria
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has introduced a new mobile application, Greenbook, designed to help Nigerians verify the authenticity of drugs and combat counterfeit medicines.
Speaking at a sensitization workshop in Port Harcourt, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the app would empower Nigerians to play an active role in the fight against fake medical products. Represented by Fraden Bitrus, Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Adeyeye highlighted that Greenbook serves as a comprehensive database of registered drug products in Nigeria.
She explained that counterfeiters are using more advanced methods to distribute fake medicines, making it necessary for NAFDAC to adopt modern technology. “The Greenbook is an online resource that allows consumers to verify a drug’s authenticity by entering the product name, brand name, or registration number. If a product appears in the database, it means it is registered and safe for use,” she said.
Nigeria is the first country in Africa and the second globally to implement this technology. Adeyeye urged stakeholders in the health sector to support the initiative to ensure Nigerians have access to safe and effective medical products.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with NAFDAC in tackling counterfeit drugs. Represented by Pharm. Quanta Dappa, Oreh praised the agency’s efforts and stressed the importance of collaboration in eliminating substandard medical products.
NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Oligbu Chukwuma, also assured that state coordinators would implement necessary measures to curb the distribution of fake drugs in the region.