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, however, cautioned the public against drawing conclusions about the cause of death before the conclusion of its investigation.
In a press release dated October 19, 2026, NAFDAC said preliminary information showed that the corps member was first taken to the camp clinic on Wednesday, October 7, with symptoms suggestive of severe malaria and a history of peptic ulcer disease.
According to the agency, he was treated and stabilised before being discharged with oral medications the following morning.
He reportedly returned to the clinic on Saturday, October 10, with right thigh pain, profuse sweating and recurrent episodes of low blood pressure.
“Due to 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 became comatose. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful,” the statement said.
NAFDAC said a preliminary clinical assessment identified acute kidney injury secondary to severe dehydration and shock as the suspected cause of death.
However, the agency stressed that the findings were preliminary and did not establish whether the medicines administered to the deceased contributed to his death.
“The Agency notes that these findings are preliminary and do not, in themselves, establish whether the medicines administered contributed to the death,” it said.
As part of its investigation, NAFDAC disclosed that its officers had visited the camp clinic, interviewed the attending medical personnel and other staff, and collected samples of the medicines for laboratory analysis.
It said further regulatory action would be taken, where necessary, based on the outcome of the investigation.
The agency also expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased and urged members of the public to remain calm while investigations continue.
“NAFDAC commiserates with the family of the deceased and urges the public to remain calm while the investigation continues,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the agency said it remained committed to ensuring that medicines available in Nigeria met the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
It urged members of the public to direct complaints and enquiries to its call centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or via email at [email protected].
The statement was signed by NAFDAC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
