The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed expired donated medicines worth N59 million, shipped from the United States, at the Igwuruta dump site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The agency disclosed this in a post on its official X account, stating that the medicines were shipped through the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Area 1 Port, Port Harcourt.

The expired medicines comprised antidepressants, anti-ulcer medicines, analgesics and drugs used in the management of hypertension.

NAFDAC said that while donated medicines support healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations, expired or otherwise unsuitable products must be promptly removed from the supply chain and safely destroyed to prevent misuse, diversion or unauthorised distribution.

The destruction exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other sister agencies, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The agency emphasised the need for proper disposal of expired medicines to prevent them from re-entering circulation and posing risks to public health.