NAFDAC Debunks Claims of Amoxicillin Ban in Nigeria
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted reports alleging that Amoxicillin has been banned in Nigeria, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement released on February 9, 2026, the agency clarified that the widely used antibiotic remains approved for use across the country. It urged the public to disregard unverified information, particularly from social media, and rely only on official communications for health-related updates.
NAFDAC explained that regulatory actions are never carried out secretly, stressing that any recall, restriction, or safety measure is formally announced to ensure public awareness and safety.
The agency noted that the misunderstanding may have stemmed from recent safety alerts involving specific brands and batches of Amoxicillin-based medicines found to be substandard. These actions, it said, were targeted at protecting public health and did not amount to a nationwide ban on the drug.
Among the measures previously taken were the recall of certain capsules after laboratory tests detected insufficient levels of the active ingredient, as well as warnings issued for some suspension products. NAFDAC emphasized that such interventions are product-specific and part of its routine regulatory responsibilities.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and consumer protection, the agency advised Nigerians to ignore the viral claims and seek accurate information through its official channels to prevent unnecessary panic within the healthcare system.
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