By Nkechi Eze
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at the orientation camp in Agwu, Enugu State, following reports linking the incident to suspected substandard or falsified medicines.
The agency said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions about the cause pending the outcome of its findings.
According to an official statement signed by NAFDAC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, preliminary information indicated that the corps member was first taken to the camp clinic on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with symptoms suggestive of severe malaria and a history of peptic ulcer disease.
The deceased was reportedly treated and stabilised before being discharged the following morning with oral medications.
However, he returned to the clinic on Saturday, October 10, with right thigh pain, profuse sweating and recurring episodes of low blood pressure.
The statement said that following his deteriorating condition and poor urine output despite fluid resuscitation, he was referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, where he subsequently became comatose.
Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
NAFDAC said the preliminary clinical assessment identified acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock as the suspected cause of death.
The agency, however, stressed that the preliminary findings did not establish whether the medicines administered to the corps member contributed to his death.
As part of its investigation, NAFDAC disclosed that its officers had visited the camp clinic, interviewed the medical personnel involved in the treatment and other staff, and collected samples of the medicines for laboratory analysis.
It added that appropriate regulatory action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
The agency expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called on members of the public to remain calm while investigations continue.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that medicines available in Nigeria meet the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
The agency urged members of the public with complaints or enquiries to contact its call centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or send an email to retorms@natdac.gov.ng.
