In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, has transferred three truckloads of expired pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The drugs, with an estimated street value of N3.77 billion, were intercepted during routine enforcement operations and include a range of controlled and over-the-counter medications such as Tramadol, Amlodipine, Codine Syrup, and various unregistered tablets.
The handover underscores the growing collaboration between regulatory agencies in Nigeria, particularly under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between NCS and NAFDAC. Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, who oversaw the transfer, emphasized the importance of inter-agency synergy in curbing the circulation of harmful substances. He noted that the seizure was part of a broader effort to dismantle networks involved in the smuggling and distribution of counterfeit and expired drugs.
Dr. Martin Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s newly appointed Director of Enforcement and Investigation, received the consignment and commended Customs for their vigilance. He assured the public that NAFDAC would conduct thorough investigations to trace the origin of the drugs and ensure proper disposal in accordance with safety protocols. The agency also plans to intensify surveillance and enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The discovery has sparked public concern, with many Nigerians questioning how such a large volume of expired drugs could enter the country undetected. Social media reactions ranged from calls for immediate destruction of the drugs to demands for accountability from importers and distributors. Experts warn that the presence of expired medications in the market poses serious risks, including treatment failure, adverse reactions, and increased resistance to antibiotics.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger border controls, improved regulatory oversight, and public awareness campaigns to protect citizens from the dangers of substandard and expired pharmaceuticals.
