Isaac Samuel
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has directed all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors of health institutions across the country to immediately suspend the purchase and use of selected medicines and products linked to contamination, carcinogenic substances, and serious neurological risks.
In a circular dated June 4, 2026, and signed by the Head of the Dentistry Division, Dr Gloria Uzoigwe, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the ministry said the action followed notifications received from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) regarding the recall and withdrawal of the affected products.
According to the ministry, the products affected include Impala Gel Nail Polish, Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension, and medicines containing Levamisole.
The circular stated that Impala Gel Nail Polish, recalled by Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) on March 16, 2026, was found to contain carcinogenic and reproductive-risk substances, including Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide and N-dimethyl-p-toluidine.
It also noted that Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension, 120ml, was recalled by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 20, 2026, following contamination concerns affecting batches 7261973A and 7261974A, both with an expiry date of January 31, 2027.
The ministry further warned against the use of medicines containing Levamisole, citing identified risks of leukoencephalopathy, a rare but serious neurological disorder that affects the brain’s white matter.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to immediately suspend the purchase and use of the affected products and report any adverse reaction linked to these products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),” the circular stated.
The ministry urged health institutions to ensure strict compliance with the directive and widely disseminate the information to healthcare workers and relevant stakeholders to prevent potential health complications.
