NAFDAC Destroys N59m Expired Donated Drugs In Rivers
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed expired donated medicines and medical consumables valued at N59 million in Rivers State.
The products, which included antidepressants, anti-ulcer drugs, analgesics, hypertension medicines and other medical consumables, were imported from the United States through the Nigeria Ports Authority Area 1 Port in Port Harcourt before being intercepted by NAFDAC officials in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.
The NAFDAC Director, South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, disclosed this on Monday during the destruction exercise at the Igwuruta dump site along the Eneka-Igwuruta Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Oligbu said the exercise underscored NAFDAC’s commitment, under the leadership of its Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, to protecting public health and ensuring that medicines available in Nigeria meet required standards of quality, safety and effectiveness.
He noted that while donated medicines play an important role in supporting healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations, expired or unsuitable products must be promptly removed from circulation.
“However, when such products become expired or otherwise unsuitable for use, it is imperative that they are promptly removed from circulation and safely destroyed,” Oligbu said.
He explained that the destroyed products included antidepressants, anti-ulcer drugs, analgesics, hypertension medicines and medical consumables.
According to him, the expired medicines were flagged by NAFDAC inspectors at the port in collaboration with Customs officials and subsequently placed on hold pending their destruction.
“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,” he said.
Oligbu warned that the presence of expired medicines within the pharmaceutical supply chain could pose serious risks to public health, particularly if they re-enter circulation.
“Their potential re-entry into circulation can result in misuse, diversion or inappropriate administration, while also undermining public confidence in our healthcare system,” he added.
He said the South-South geopolitical zone remained strategically important to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical regulatory efforts because of its seaports, commercial centres, healthcare institutions and extensive trade activities.
He stressed the need for effective regulatory surveillance, enforcement and inter-agency collaboration across the zone.
Oligbu assured that NAFDAC would continue to strengthen its presence in the region through inspection, surveillance, monitoring, enforcement, public enlightenment and sustained engagement with stakeholders.
He also commended the Nigeria Customs Service, sister agencies, development partners and other stakeholders for their collaboration in ensuring the successful destruction of the expired products.
“Together, through sustained cooperation and responsible regulatory practices, we can strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain and protect the health of our people,” he said.