Health Ministry States Reason for Ban on Codeine, Gives Alternative

The Federal Ministry of health in Nigeria has recently stated that the ban placed on the importation of codeine related drugs was due to the gross abuse of the drugs by Nigerian youths.

The minister of health, Isaac Adewole who stated this in a statement directed the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately stop further issuance of approval for the importation and the production of the drugs in Nigeria.

The directive given was also as a result of a feature recently aired by BBC, showing the traumatic and stimulating effects of codeine on the Nigeria youth and how the substance is being abused across the nation.

According to the health minister, the drugs is used mostly by youths who are suppose to be the leaders of tomorrow.

He therefore advised that the codeine containing cough syrup should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is less addictive.

The Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) are also directed to continue the enforcement activities on pharmacies, medicine vendors, shops and outlet throughout the country.

   Reported by Matthias Emmanuel.