The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed expired donated medicines valued at ₦59 million in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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

The destroyed products included antidepressants, anti-ulcer drugs, analgesics and medicines used to manage hypertension.

NAFDAC said donated medicines are important to healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities. However, expired or otherwise unsuitable medicines must be removed from the pharmaceutical supply chain and safely destroyed.

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

The destruction was conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other sister agencies.

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