N59m Worth Of Expired Drugs Destroyed By NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed expired medicines valued at about N59 million after the products were brought into Nigeria from the United States.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement shared on its official X account, noting that the medicines arrived through the Nigeria Ports Authority Area 1 Port in Port Harcourt.

Among the products destroyed were antidepressants, anti-ulcer medications, painkillers and drugs used to manage high blood pressure.

The agency explained that although medicine donations can help improve access to healthcare for vulnerable communities, expired or unsuitable products pose risks and must not be allowed to enter the distribution chain.

NAFDAC said the destruction was carried out to ensure the medicines could not be diverted, misused or distributed illegally.

The exercise was conducted jointly with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant government agencies.

According to NAFDAC, cooperation among regulatory and enforcement bodies remains essential to maintaining the safety of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply system.

The latest action follows another large-scale disposal exercise reported by NAFDAC in March, when the agency said pharmaceutical products estimated at N100 billion had been destroyed.

NAFDAC said those products were recovered during a three-week enforcement operation targeting illegal and unsafe medicines at a market.

The agency continues to carry out enforcement activities aimed at keeping expired, counterfeit and unapproved medicines away from consumers.