NAFDAC Destroys N59m Expired Medicines Shipped From US

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed expired donated medicines valued at N59 million.

The agency disclosed this in a post on X, saying the medicines were shipped from the United States through the Nigeria Ports Authority Area 1 Port in Port Harcourt.

NAFDAC said the destroyed medicines included antidepressants, anti-ulcer drugs, analgesics and medicines used in the management of hypertension.

The agency explained that while donated medicines play an important role in supporting healthcare delivery for vulnerable and underserved populations, expired and unsuitable products must be removed from circulation and safely destroyed.

According to NAFDAC, the exercise was necessary to prevent the misuse, diversion and unauthorised distribution of the medicines.

The agency said the destruction was carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other sister agencies.

“Conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other sister agencies, the exercise highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding the pharmaceutical supply chain,” NAFDAC said.

The latest development comes months after the agency destroyed large quantities of expired, falsified, unregistered and banned medicines seized from the Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos.

In March, NAFDAC said the medicines destroyed were worth an estimated N100 billion.

The agency said the products were seized during a three-week reinforcement operation at the market.