NPHCDA Staff Petition EFCC Over Alleged Distribution Of Substandard Syringes

A crisis of confidence has reportedly erupted at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) as a group of workers under the aegis of Concerned Members of Staff has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged supply and distribution of substandard syringes within the agency

In a copy of the petition dated March 10, 2026, and made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend yesterday in Abuja, the workers accused the agency’s management of approving the procurement and circulation of syringes that allegedly do not meet the required standards for immunisation programmes

The petition, signed by Dr. B. M. Tilde on behalf of the aggrieved staff members, specifically alleged that the auto-disable 0.5ml and 0.05ml syringes supplied to the agency failed to conform to the qualification requirements for approved immunisation syringes used in national vaccination exercises.

According to the workers, the development poses serious risks to public health, particularly to children who are the primary beneficiaries of immunisation programmes across the country.

The staff members stated that this was not the first time they had raised concerns about the issue. They recalled that about two months ago, they submitted a similar petition to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, calling attention to the alleged irregularities surrounding the procurement and distribution of the syringes.

The earlier petition, they said, was also copied to the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.

According to the group, their latest petition to the anti-graft agency is intended to trigger a comprehensive investigation into the allegations in order to safeguard public funds and protect the lives of millions of Nigerian children who rely on routine immunisation services.

“This letter is a formal request to your commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the entire management of NPHCDA’s syringe procurement and immunisation activities, particularly the alleged underhand contracting processes that may not only short-change the finances of the nation but also expose the immunisation target group to serious health risks which the programme was designed to prevent.” part of the petition read.

The concerned workers further alleged that they decided to escalate the matter and bring it to the attention of the public because they fear the issue may be suppressed due to the involvement of influential interests.

According to them, the allegations should be treated as a national emergency given the potential implications for public health and the integrity of the country’s immunisation programme.

The petitioners also claimed that the federal government allegedly lost about N1.5 billion last year through a similar procurement arrangement involving the syringes, adding that the matter was reportedly covered up despite internal investigations.

They further alleged that upon discovery of the alleged irregularities, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) quietly removed about 12 million syringes from five NPHCDA warehouses across the country.

However, the staff claimed that no disciplinary action was taken against those allegedly responsible, despite internal findings that reportedly pointed to fraud and abuse of office by members of the procurement team established by the agency’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.

The petition also stated that NAFDAC Certificate of Registration No. 03-6265 which  was issued to  YI XIN auto-disable syringes expired  on February 31, 2023.

The concerned workers warned that failure to address the issue decisively could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s immunisation programmes and expose vulnerable populations to avoidable health risks.

They added that the alleged perpetrators within the system appear to have been emboldened by what they described as management’s inaction in addressing the earlier complaints raised by staff members.

The group therefore urged the EFCC to carry out an independent and transparent investigation into the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.