The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed expired donated drugs and medical consumables valued at 59 million naira.

The agency says the items, which included depressants, were shipped into the country from the United States through the Nigeria Ports Authority Area One Port in Port Harcourt. They were intercepted by NAFDAC officials in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.

The NAFDAC Director for the South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, disclosed this during the destruction exercise at the Igwuruta dump site along the Eneka-Igwuruta Road in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Oligbu said the exercise underscores NAFDAC's commitment, under its Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, to protecting Nigerians and ensuring that medicines available in the country meet required standards of quality, safety and effectiveness.

He acknowledged the important role donated medicines play in supporting healthcare delivery, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.