By George Ozalla
The Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over three trucks loaded with expired pharmaceutical products worth N3.7 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. The products, which include Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, and Tramadol, among others, pose serious health risks if not properly regulated.
According to Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, the handover is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications in Nigeria. “Expired products must be handled with utmost seriousness,” he warned, emphasizing the potential risks to public health from expired or counterfeit products.
The collaboration between NCS and NAFDAC is seen as a strategic partnership in safeguarding public health. Dr. Martin Iluyomade, representing NAFDAC’s Director-General, commended the Customs Service for its commitment to implementing their Memorandum of Understanding.
The handover ceremony highlights the ongoing efforts of regulatory agencies to protect public health and safety in Nigeria. The seized products are valued at N3,779,500,000, and the move is aimed at preventing expired or counterfeit drugs from circulating in the market.
