Atleast 63 percent of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in circulation are not registered and may not be genuine, says the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

This was disclosed by the PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha at the PTF briefing in Abuja.

Boss Mustapha added that the Minister of Health had issued an advisory to the public to procure pharmaceutical  products from credible sources.

The SGF said:

“As part of the non-pharmaceutical measures, we recommended in line with global practice, the use of hand sanitizers. Ordinarily, that ought to stimulate local production because of increased demand.

“We regret to inform you that following a survey conducted by the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) to check the influx of substandard goods, it was revealed that 63 per cent of alcohol-based sanitizers in Abuja does not have NAFDAC registration numbers. There could also be similar situations around the country.

“The PTF appeals to the patriotic spirit of Nigerians and request that they desist from manufacturing sub-standard goods which could further endanger other unsuspecting Nigerians who innocently purchase them.”