The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched narcotic drug serialization to track and trace narcotic products from the source of production to the consumer.

The agency said the move became necessary to combat the menace of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria, particularly among the youth population.

Emphasizing the seriousness of the issue of substance abuse, the agency’s Director-General, Professor MOJISOLA ADEYEYE, at the commissioning of the narcotic drugs serialization pilot project in Lagos noted that narcotics were chosen amongst other classes of drugs to make sure drug or substance abuse in Nigeria is eliminated or mitigated.

Prof. ADEYEYE attributed the challenge of substandard and falsified medicines, along with disorderly drug distribution to corrupt entities in the sector.