•Customs hands over expired pharmaceutical products worth N3.8b
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) in the country.

In a statement, yesterday, NAFDAC, via its X handle, disclosed that the falsified emergency contraceptive posed a grave risk to individuals’ health and public safety.

It said that due to unsafe manufacturing practices, the counterfeit version could contain harmful or substandard ingredients, incorrect dosages, or toxic contaminants.

According to the agency, the dangers include contraceptive failure, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed access to genuine emergency contraception, and long-term reproductive health complications.

NAFDAC, which further warned that counterfeit medicines might contain unknown substances capable of triggering allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death, strongly advised patients to purchase Postinor-2 only from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

It also urged healthcare professionals and the public to report any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, emphasising its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians.

Relatedly, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over three trucks filled with various brands of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC.

Controller of the unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, who spoke during the handover of the products yesterday, at the Customs Warehouse in Ikeja, Lagos, listed the seized pharmaceutical products to include Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, Really Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, among others.

He said the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the expired pharmaceuticals stood at N3.8 billion, noting that the wide range of these products poses serious risks to public health if not properly regulated.

Shuaibu reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to upholding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NCS and NAFDAC, which he said marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against fake and counterfeit products.

He, however, emphasised the importance of collaboration among regulatory and security agencies to thwart the smuggling and importation of these harmful products.

Shuaibu further noted that the Service remains committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications.