NAFDAC dismisses claims of secret Amoxicillin ban
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has debunked claims circulating on social media that it has secretly banned the sale and use of Amoxicillin in Nigeria, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, the agency said Amoxicillin has not been banned, either covertly or publicly, and urged Nigerians to ignore a viral video making the claim.
The statement, signed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that as a regulatory authority, the agency communicates all enforcement and safety-related actions transparently through official channels, including public alerts, recalls, safety notices and blacklists.
According to NAFDAC, such notices clearly identify affected products by name, batch number and manufacturer, while also outlining regulatory measures taken to safeguard public health.
“Blacklisting, where applicable, involves prohibiting specific companies from the sale, distribution or use of their products due to safety concerns, regulatory violations or unethical practices,” the agency said.
Targeted recalls, not a blanket ban
NAFDAC clarified that its recent actions involving Amoxicillin were limited to specific brands and batches found to be substandard and did not amount to a general ban on the drug.
It explained that in August 2025, Public Alert No. 24/2025 announced the recall of Amoxivue (Amoxicillin) 500mg capsules after tests revealed low active pharmaceutical ingredient content.
Similarly, in October 2025, Public Alert No. 34/2025 was issued on substandard batches of Astamocil and Astamentin suspensions, while Public Alert No. 35/2025 addressed substandard batches of Annmox and Jawamox suspensions.
The agency reiterated that all regulatory actions are taken in the interest of public safety and are always communicated openly, urging the public to rely on verified information from its official platforms.
“These actions were specific to identified products and do not constitute a ban on Amoxicillin,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC advised members of the public and healthcare providers to rely solely on verified information released through its official communication channels and to regularly consult its website for authentic product recalls, safety notices and regulatory updates.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through transparent, science-based regulatory actions, adding that it remains vigilant in ensuring the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines available in the Nigerian market.