- Agency collects drug samples for laboratory analysis, cautions against premature conclusions
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at the orientation camp in Agwu, Enugu State, following reports alleging a possible link between the incident and the use of substandard or falsified medicines.
The agency, in a press release dated October 19, 2026, urged the public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions about the cause of death, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
According to preliminary information released by NAFDAC, the corps member was first taken to the camp clinic on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with symptoms suggestive of severe malaria and a medical history of peptic ulcer disease.
He was reportedly treated and stabilised before being discharged the following morning with oral medications.
However, the corps member returned to the clinic on Saturday, October 10, with right thigh pain, profuse sweating and recurrent episodes of low blood pressure.
As his condition deteriorated, he reportedly developed poor urine output despite fluid resuscitation, prompting his referral to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.
NAFDAC said the corps member subsequently became comatose at the teaching hospital, where resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful.
The agency disclosed that the preliminary clinical assessment identified acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock as the suspected cause of death.
It, however, emphasised that the preliminary findings did not establish whether the medicines administered to the deceased contributed to the fatal outcome.
As part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, NAFDAC said its officers had visited the camp clinic, interviewed the attending medical personnel and other staff, and collected samples of the medicines for laboratory analysis.
The agency added that further regulatory action would be determined by the outcome of the investigation and the results of the laboratory tests.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that medicines available in Nigeria meet the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
The agency also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and appealed to Nigerians to remain calm while investigations continue.
Members of the public seeking clarification or wishing to lodge complaints can contact the NAFDAC Call Centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or send an email to reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.
