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Tag: NAFDAC

  • NAFDAC alerts drug firms to recall product

    NAFDAC alerts drug firms to recall product

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a recall notice for Embacef 125 Powder for Oral Suspension following safety concerns.

    The recall affects products manufactured by Laborate Pharmaceutical India and registered in Nigeria by Embassy Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Ltd, Lagos.

    In a public alert (No. 029/2025) posted on its website on Sunday, NAFDAC disclosed that the recall was triggered by a complaint received at its Ekiti State office.

    The agency said the complaint revealed that two bottles of the reconstituted suspension had solidified by the second day of use.

    NAFDAC’s investigation confirmed the product’s substandard quality and potential safety risks.

    “As a precautionary measure, the agency has directed a recall of the affected batch and any other batches exhibiting similar issues.”

    The agency stated that the recalled product, Embacef 125, contained Cefuroxime Axetil, an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including bronchitis, gonorrhoea, Lyme disease, and infections of the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, tonsils, and urinary tract.

    It said the specific product details are: Manufacturing date: February 2025, expiry date: January 2027, batch Number: PEDSE001, NAFDAC Registration Number (NRN): A4-9040

    NAFDAC warned that the use of substandard antibiotics could worsen health conditions, lead to treatment failure, and contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

    It had directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the affected product from circulation.

    The agency urged all importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and patients to be vigilant and ensure that medicines were sourced only from authorised and licensed suppliers.

    “Product authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

    “Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any suspected substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

    “Reports of adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product can also be submitted through the Med-Safety App (available on Android and iOS), NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.”

    NAFDAC added that the notification would be uploaded to the World Health Organisation’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) to support international tracking and intervention.

  • Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday handed over expired pharmaceutical products valued at N3.77 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, in Lagos.

    Abdullahi said that the handover took place during a visit by the new NAFDAC Director of Enforcement and Investigation, Dr Martin Iluyomade, to FOU Zone ‘A’ on Aug. 25.

    The Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to upholding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NCS and NAFDAC.

    This, he described as a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against fake and counterfeit products.

    “What we are witnessing today is a follow-up to the MoU between the two agencies.

    “This MoU emphasises the importance of collaboration among regulatory and security agencies to continuously thwart the smuggling and importation of harmful consignments,” he said.

    Shu’aibu disclosed that three trucks loaded with various expired pharmaceutical products were handed over. The items, packed in sacks and cartons, included Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, Really Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, among others.

    “The wide range of these products poses serious risks to public health if not properly regulated.

    “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the expired pharmaceuticals stands at N3.77 billion,” he added.

    He stressed that the Service remained committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines in Nigeria and that expired products would be handled with utmost seriousness.

    According to him, the handover is not a one-off event, as more consignments will be transferred to NAFDAC after ongoing investigations.

    He further assured Nigerians that Customs would continue to prioritise public health by preventing expired and counterfeit drugs from circulating in markets.

    Receiving the consignments on behalf of the NAFDAC Director-General, Iluyomade commended the NCS for its unwavering commitment to the MoU, describing the collaboration as a strategic partnership in safeguarding public health.

    He noted that NAFDAC would redouble its efforts in combating the smuggling of counterfeit and fake pharmaceuticals.

  • NAFDAC raises alarm on fake milk in circulation

    NAFDAC raises alarm on fake milk in circulation

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns about the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the agency issued a statement on 𝕏 on Friday, indicating that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authorized manufacturer of Cowbell “Our Milk,” informed them about the presence of products that closely resemble the genuine Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet.

    NAFDAC noted that Promasidor ceased production of Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023, replacing it with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.”

    The agency stressed that the counterfeit products in circulation are imitations of the discontinued “Our Milk.”

    NAFDAC also emphasized that these fake products were neither manufactured nor distributed by Promasidor. They urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicions regarding the sale of substandard or counterfeit food products to their nearest office.

    The statement reads, “Public Alert No. 026/2025. Alert on the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” Milk in Nigeria

    “NAFDAC alerts the public to the circulation of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk in Nigeria. Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the Marketing Authorisation Holder of Cowbell, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in Sept 2023 and replaced it with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness”.

    “The counterfeit products currently in circulation are imitations of the discontinued “Our Milk” packaging and are not manufactured or distributed by Promasidor.
    They bear unauthorised use of the brand name, NAFDAC Registration Number, and packaging design.

    “Risk Statement: Consumption of counterfeit milk poses serious health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients. Risks include foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, and in severe cases, death.

    “Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

    Counterfeit Product Details:
    •Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
    •Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
    •Production Date: 04/2025
    •Expiry Date: 12/2028

    “Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and counterfeit food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

  • NAFDAC warns against breast milk substitutes marketing

    NAFDAC warns against breast milk substitutes marketing

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting breastfeeding through effective advocacy and strict monitoring of Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS).

    Mr Hamis Yahya, the NAFDAC State Coordinator, Bauchi State office, said this during a press conference on Thursday to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.

    “NAFDAC is mandated to advocate for and monitor compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.

    “Nigeria is a signatory to this international code, and NAFDAC plays a critical role in its enforcement,” he said.

    Yahya emphasised the agency’s promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for infants from birth to six months, discouraging the use of infant formula or substitutes unless medically necessary and prescribed by a qualified health professional.

    “Our responsibility is to ensure that every child receives breast milk exclusively during their first six months of life, after which appropriate complementary feeding should be introduced,” he said.

    He explained that the approach ensured optimal nutrition and supported the healthy development of Nigerian infants.

    Yahya outlined the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, noting that colostrum, the first milk, contained vital antibodies that strengthened a baby’s immune system and protected against childhood illnesses.

    “Breast milk supports brain development, physical growth, and provides all the nutrients a baby needs in the first six months.

    “For mothers, it reduces post-delivery bleeding, aids recovery, strengthens the mother-child bond, and acts as a natural contraceptive method for child spacing,” he added.

    He also warned that bottle-feeding posed risks in low-resource settings, where water quality and sanitation might be poor.

    Speaking on NAFDAC’s role, Yahya said the agency actively monitored BMS Code compliance across public and private institutions and raised concerns over unethical marketing practices by some manufacturers and distributors.

    “We conduct advocacy visits to hospitals, orphanages, pharmacies, and supermarkets to ensure that no one violated the Code. We’re also supporting the establishment of breastfeeding-friendly spaces in workplaces and public facilities.”

    While advocacy and monitoring are ongoing, Yahya warned that enforcement measures would follow.

    “Some companies offer branded gifts, free samples, or promotional items to mothers and healthcare workers during antenatal visits.

    “These practices directly violate the Code and mislead mothers into thinking substitutes are equal to or better than breast milk, which is dangerous and unacceptable,” he stated.

    He stressed that the BMS Code had been fully gazetted into Nigerian law, and violators, including healthcare providers and institutions, would face sanctions.

    Yahya also revealed that the Bauchi NAFDAC office planned to launch state-wide awareness campaigns across print and electronic media to further protect public health.

  • NAFDAC debunks viral audio on noodles factory

    NAFDAC debunks viral audio on noodles factory

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a formal disclaimer concerning an audio recording circulating on social media.

    The audio recording falsely claims the agency shut down the Tummy Tummy noodles manufacturing facility in Anambra State.

    In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the viral recording was not only misleading but also a recycled falsehood.

    According to her, the same audio first appeared in Oct. 2023 and was thoroughly investigated at the time.

    “The claims made in the recording are entirely false. The Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed,” she stated.

    Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC had conducted an unscheduled inspection of the facility, during which samples of four different noodle variants were collected and analysed at the agency’s Agulu laboratory.

    “The results were satisfactory, and no regulatory violations were found,” she added.

    She further noted that the audio falsely alleged that NAFDAC banned other food products such as tinned tomatoes and seasoning cubes like Maggi.

    “This is completely untrue. The individual who made these claims also falsely stated they were working in collaboration with NAFDAC and mentioned the presence of ‘acetyl methyl’ as a preservative, an assertion that is both unfounded and misleading,” she said.

    Addressing public concerns about product safety, Adeyeye recalled that NAFDAC had already conducted a comprehensive investigation in 2023 following global alerts about the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles.

    She said the findings confirmed that neither ethylene oxide nor its derivatives were present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria.

    She also assured the public that tests for contaminants such as mycotoxins and heavy metals revealed levels well within internationally accepted safety standards, reaffirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles.

    “NAFDAC urged the public to disregard the audio and refrain from sharing unverified information

    “NAFDAC remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians,” the statement said.

  • NAFDAC destroys 491, 000 seized tramadol tablets in Kano

    NAFDAC destroys 491, 000 seized tramadol tablets in Kano

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday destroyed 491,000 tablets of seized Tramadol 225mg in Kano to safeguard public health in Nigeria.

    Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, supervised the destruction on behalf of the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

    Adeyeye said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Command intercepted the consignment when some unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria.

    “On May 28, 2025, the NCS, headed by Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, successfully intercepted the consignment,” she said.

    According to her, the tablets, packed in 491 rolls equivalent to 491,000 tablets, were abandoned by the smugglers after they were overwhelmed by customs operatives.

    “The duty value of this consignment is N91 million. This operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing the menace of illicit drug trade in Nigeria,” she said.

    She added that the agency remained committed to protecting the health of Nigerians and urged members of the public to report any suspicious drug activities to NAFDAC for immediate action.

    The NCS Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Command, Dalhatu Abubakar, who was represented by Yusuf Idris, Deputy Controller, Enforcement, said the Tramadol was intercepted at the Mai Gatari border axis while coming from Niger Republic.

  • NAFDAC seals warehouse stocked with chemicals used for explosives in Kano

    NAFDAC seals warehouse stocked with chemicals used for explosives in Kano

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a warehouse stocked with 88,560 litres of controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acid, used for explosives in Kano.

    The Director-General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the facility on Wednesday in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

    Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, Dr Martins Iluyomade, said the warehouse contained 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid at 90.5 per cent, and 28,560 litres of nitric acid at 68 per cent, alongside 330 empty jerricans whose contents had been dispensed to unknown persons.

    “What we have seen here is mind-boggling, I don’t think I have ever seen this quantity of concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid together in one place like this before,” Adeyeye said.

    The DG explained that the chemicals were discovered by vigilant NAFDAC officers, adding that upon arrival, only the warehouse manager, an employee, was found and arrested.

    “The owner is not listed as a chemical marketer. We keep a database to monitor the importation, use, and disposal of such chemicals. These acids are controlled chemicals that are not to be handled by just anybody.

    “Importing such chemicals requires clearance from the National Security Adviser and permits, none of which the owner possessed.

    “Permit and clearance is important because these chemicals are used to manufacture explosives.

    “The volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled,” she warned.

    According to her, the agency is currently interrogating the arrested warehouse manager to trace the owner, who is still at large.

    “We will ensure that he is brought to justice. He needs to explain how these chemicals were imported, and who he was supplying them to. This is a serious national security issue,” she lamented.

    Adeyeye assured that the chemicals would be destroyed properly in line with regulatory procedures to safeguard public safety.

  • NAFDAC warns on recalled U.S. supplements

    NAFDAC warns on recalled U.S. supplements

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the recall of certain multivitamins and iron supplements in the U.S.

    NAFDAC, via its official Twitter handle, stated that the affected vitamin brand is labelled as CINCINNATI (WKRC).

    The agency noted that the supplements were sold across the U.S., including by major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.

    The recall was prompted by a “risk of serious injury or death” from poisoning, especially among young children, due to improper packaging.

    NAFDAC cited a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, which revealed that 60,000 units were affected by the recall.

    The recalled products include Daily Prenatal Multi, Ultamins Women’s Multivitamin, and Ultamins Women’s 50+ Multivitamin.

    It was discovered that the products lacked child-resistant packaging, making them dangerous if accessed by young children.

    “Without child-resistant packaging, children are at risk of fatal poisoning if they ingest these supplements.

    “Even a few tablets of iron supplements can cause vomiting, stomach pain, low blood pressure, or liver damage in young children,” NAFDAC warned.

    In severe cases, NAFDAC said, symptoms may escalate rapidly and could become life-threatening.

    All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to monitor and remove the CINCINNATI (WKRC) products from circulation.

    Distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and caregivers are urged to remain vigilant to prevent the use or sale of the recalled items.

    NAFDAC advised that any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines be reported to the nearest office or via 0800-162-3322, or sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

  • NAFDAC uncovers fake chemicals, expired food flavours worth N1bn

    NAFDAC uncovers fake chemicals, expired food flavours worth N1bn

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has uncovered an illegal operation involving fake chemicals, expired food flavours, fertilisers, and repackaged raw materials in Lagos.

    A statement by NAFDAC  on Tuesday in Lagos said the operatives  bust the illegal operation at the Alapere area of Ketu, which led to the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses.

    According to the statement, the operatives were led by the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.

    The raid was carried out following credible intelligence about a criminal network endangering public health.

    “This is one of the campaigns our agency is carrying out to protect the health of Nigerians.

    “We received information that some individuals were pretending to run a legitimate business, but in reality, they were engagingo in serious criminal activities that put people’s lives at risk.

    “As an agency set up by law to stop such crimes, we stepped in to make sure those involved are brought to justice. The main offence here is the sale of expired chemicals,” Iluyomade said.

    He said that chemicals are known as raw materials, with some being precursors used to make other chemicals, while others go directly into the production of goods people consume.

    “If an expired chemical is used, it is impossible to get a safe or effective final product, making it a serious health risk,” Iluyomade was quoted as saying.

    It further said that dangerous chemicals that pose serious security threat and  are expected to be handled only by government agencies or licensed end users were discovered.

    The statement said  that some of the expired food addictives found at the location were from a registered company that was licenced to import the product, noting that the company will be investigated

    “Fertilisers among the items were found, these items required clearance from the National Security Adviser before anyone can distribute them. Yet, someone has been stocking and selling them freely.

    “Another major concern is the expired food-grade products we found and the disturbing part is that they came from a registered company in Nigeria. That company has the legal right to import them.

    “The expired batch ended up with a third party who is not a manufacturer and this raises serious questions about how some multinationals are operating in this country,” the statement said.

    It also said that the three warehouses belonging in the same location were sealed while the total value of the fake and expired items seized was not less than N1billion.

    The Director of Chemical Evaluation and Control, Dr leonard Omokpariola in the statement  said it was unfortunate that some of the items found at the three warehouse were strictly controlled  items not expected to be in the possession of an individual.

    Omokpariola urged companies to always follow NAFDAC guidelines on how to handle such items.

  • Apapa customs shuts down 3 terminals

    Apapa customs shuts down 3 terminals

    The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sealed three bonded terminals in Apapa for various infractions, with one terminal charged to court for prosecution.

    The Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, disclosed this during a media conference held in Lagos on Thursday.

    Olomu stated that investigations were ongoing for the remaining two bonded terminals.

    He warned perpetrators of illegal operations to desist from such activities, adding that the Apapa Command is staffed by “eagle-eyed officers”.

    He revealed that between January and June 2025, the command intercepted 27 containers with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.2 billion.

    Nine of these seizures included containers carrying unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animal skins, and codeine syrup.

    The Apapa Customs Controller further explained that the seizures comprised 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, two containers of codeine syrup, two containers of stolen vehicles, and four containers of second-hand clothing, among other items.

    He said, “These 27 container seizures are a fallout of our efforts to prevent Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stop illicit trade, and protect our local industries.

    “We will never compromise the health, well-being, or safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment passing through our port undergoes diligent checks through scanning and physical examination when required.”

    He emphasised that unregistered pharmaceuticals were the most prominent items among the 28 seizures made by the command during the period under review.

    The seizures also included controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animal skins, and other sundry items.

    Olomu highlighted that trafficking in wild animals contravenes the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

    He also noted the detention of a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC), as stipulated by extant laws.

    On trade facilitation, Olomu disclosed that the command generated N1.37 billion between January and June as revenue for the Federal Government.

    He urged all officers of the command to redouble their efforts to surpass the command’s target for 2025.

    Olomu acknowledged the support of sister agencies in intelligence sharing and joint consultations aimed at national security.

    He attributed the command’s success to the Comptroller-General’s directives, which emphasise maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) when necessary.

    Speaking at the conference, Buba Wakawa, the Strategic Commander of Narcotics, Apapa Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), explained that importers of fake pharmaceuticals and other illicit drugs often use fake companies and addresses.

    “Most of the drugs being imported are brought in the name of fake companies.

    “We have some cases we are prosecuting at the Federal High Court, and we have to use their NIN to trace the perpetrators. However, if you use the bill of lading, it won’t lead anywhere,” he said.

    Dr Olakunle Olaniyan, Director of Ports Inspectorate for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), condemned the smuggling of pharmaceutical products, labeling smugglers as “economy saboteurs.”

    Olaniyan stressed that medicines are meant for the sick, not for facilitating criminal activities in society.

    He commended Customs for the continuous interception of illicit substances and urged everyone to collaborate in the fight, advising the public to be vigilant.

    Alhaji Abdul Fatai Babajide, a freight forwarder with over 24 years of experience, commended Customs for the robust synergy with stakeholders.

    Babajide encouraged stakeholders to continue discussions on “B’odogwu” to address challenges encountered while logging out from the newly introduced operational platform for cargo processing.