NAFDAC Clarifies NYSC Corper’s Death, Launches Investigation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced investigations into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at the orientation camp in Agwu, Enugu State, dismissing reports linking his death to substandard or falsified medicines.

The agency said preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased corps member was brought to the camp clinic on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at about 9 p.m., by two fellow corps members with symptoms suggestive of severe malaria and a known history of peptic ulcer disease.

According to NAFDAC, he was stabilised with intramuscular antimalarial drugs and other supportive medications administered intravenously before being placed on bed rest for observation.

He was discharged with oral medications on Thursday morning.

In a press statement signed by the DG, the agency explained that the corps returned to the clinic unaided on Saturday, October 10, complaining of pain in his right thigh, and was advised to see a physiotherapist.

However, his profuse sweating prompted the attending doctor to check his blood pressure, which was found to be critically low at 80/40mmHg.

NAFDAC said he was stabilised with intravenous normal saline, but subsequent monitoring revealed recurring episodes of low blood pressure. His condition, coupled with poor urine output despite adequate fluid replacement, led to his referral to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.

The agency said the corps member was transported to the hospital in an ambulance accompanied by another doctor but slipped into a coma around the time of arrival. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

NAFDAC further disclosed that a friend of the deceased later informed the camp clinic doctor that the corps member had been vomiting for two days following his initial admission, adding that the doctor was unaware of the development.

The agency noted that the same medications administered to the deceased had also been given to several other patients at the camp, who recovered after treatment.

It added that doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare workers at the camp clinic had prescribed and personally used the medications at different times.

According to NAFDAC, the attending doctors believed that the cause of death was acute kidney injury resulting from severe dehydration and shock.

The agency, however, said investigations were ongoing, disclosing that its officers had visited the clinic, interviewed the doctors and other staff, and collected samples of the medications for further investigation, including laboratory analysis.

NAFDAC expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.

It urged members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that it was taking all necessary measures to ensure that medicines available in the country were safe, of good quality and effective.

For complaints and enquiries, consumers were advised to contact the NAFDAC Call Centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or email reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.