FG to compensate Codeine-based Cough Syrup Manufacturers

• FG to compensate Codeine-based Cough Syrup Manufacturers

The Federal Government has concluded plans to compensate manufacturers of codeine-based cough syrup who had their products withdrawn from circulation in the wake of the 2018 BBC documentary about the nationwide abuse of the drug.

The Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, disclosed this in Lagos on Monday during an interactive session with journalists.

Following the BBC documentary, the Federal Government banned codeine products.

Adeyeye said the agency had been directed to compile a list of manufacturing firms to be reimbursed, adding that over N1bn would be needed to compensate the manufacturers.

The NAFDAC DG, however, faulted a report which claimed that 70 per cent of the drugs in circulation in Nigeria were fake.

Adeyeye said, “The report was aimed at causing panic in the public. We are consulting our legal team to take the matter up.”

She, however, said the agency was in the process of conducting a research to determine the current percentage of fake drugs in the country.