Tuesday, September 15, 2026 -The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed expired donated drugs, including depressants and medical consumables valued at N59 million.
The agency said the expired drugs were shipped into the
country from the United States through the Nigeria Ports Authority, Area 1 Port
in Port Harcourt, before they were intercepted by NAFDAC personnel in
collaboration with Customs officials.
The NAFDAC Director, South-South zone, Chukwuma Oligbu,
disclosed this in his address during the destruction at the Igwuruta dump site
along Eneka – Igwuruta road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State
on Monday.
Oligbu said the exercise demonstrated the agency’s
commitment under the leadership of its Director General, Prof Mojisola
Adeyeye, to protecting Nigerians and ensuring that medicines in the country
meet required standards of quality, safety and effectiveness.
Donated medicines, he explained, play an important role in
supporting healthcare delivery, particularly among vulnerable and underserved
populations.
“However, when such products become expired or otherwise
unsuitable for use, it is imperative that they are promptly removed from
circulation and safely destroyed.
“They include antidepressants, anti-ulcers, analgesics,
hypertension drugs and consumables,” Oligbu stated.
Oligbu continued, “These expired donated drugs were shipped
into the country from the United States through NPA Area 1 Port, Port Harcourt,
before they were flagged by eagle-eyed NAFDAC inspectors at the Port in
collaboration with Customs officials.
“The drugs worth about ₦59
million were put on hold until their subsequent destruction. It further
demonstrates our collective resolve to prevent the diversion, misuse and
unauthorised distribution of expired, substandard or otherwise unfit medical
products.
“The presence of expired medicines within the supply chain
poses significant risks to public health. Their potential re-entry into
circulation can result in misuse, diversion or inappropriate administration,
while also undermining public confidence in our healthcare system.”
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