Posted by Chinenye on Tue 15th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
NAFDAC has destroyed a large shipment of expired medicines worth millions of naira after stopping them from reaching the Nigerian market.
(Some of The Expired Donated Drugs. Photo Credit: Punch News)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed expired donated drugs worth 59 million naira that were shipped into the country from the United States.
The drugs arrived at the Nigeria Ports Authority port in Port Harcourt before NAFDAC inspectors and Customs officials caught them and prevented them from entering the market.
The consignment included antidepressants, anti-ulcer drugs, painkillers, blood pressure medications and other consumables that had expired or were unsuitable for use.
The NAFDAC Director for the South-South zone said the destruction demonstrated the agency's commitment to protecting Nigerians and ensuring medicines meet quality, safety and effectiveness standards.
While donated medicines support healthcare for vulnerable and underserved populations, expired products must be removed from circulation quickly and destroyed safely.
If such drugs slip through, they can be misused, diverted or given to patients inappropriately, damaging public trust in the healthcare system.
The director noted that the South-South region is strategically important with major seaports, commercial centres and extensive trade activity, making strong regulatory oversight and inter-agency collaboration critical.
He commended the Customs Service, other agencies and stakeholders for working together on the operation and assured that NAFDAC would continue strengthening its regulatory presence across the zone through inspections, monitoring and enforcement to protect the pharmaceutical supply chain and public health.