NAFDAC destroys N59m expired medicines in Rivers

The expired donated drugs being moved out by NAFDAC officials for destruction at the Igwuruta dump site along Eneka - Igwuruta road in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State on Monday.

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.

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“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.”

As regulators, he said NAFDAC recognises that the South-South geopolitical zone occupies a strategic position in Nigeria, saying, “The zone is home to important seaports, commercial centres, healthcare institutions and extensive trade activities.

“These unique characteristics make effective regulatory surveillance, enforcement and inter-agency collaboration particularly important.”

Oligbu, however, assured that the agency would continue to strengthen its regulatory presence across the zone through inspection, surveillance, monitoring, enforcement, public enlightenment and sustained stakeholder engagement.

He lauded the Nigeria Customs Service, sister agencies, development partners and all stakeholders for their collaboration and support in making the exercise possible.

“Together, through sustained cooperation and responsible regulatory practices, we can strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain and protect the health of our people.”