The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed expired donated medicines valued at N59 million in Rivers State.

The medicines were destroyed at the Igwuruta dump site in Port Harcourt after being shipped from the United States through the Nigeria Ports Authority Area 1 Port in the state. 

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

NAFDAC said the exercise was necessary to prevent expired medicines from being misused, diverted or distributed without authorisation.

The agency noted that donated medicines play an important role in supporting healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities. However, it stressed that expired or otherwise unsuitable products must be removed from the pharmaceutical supply chain and safely destroyed. 

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

NAFDAC said the exercise underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain and ensuring that medicines available to the public are safe and suitable for use.