The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun investigating the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the Awgu Orientation Camp in Enugu State, following reports linking his death to suspected substandard or falsified medicines.

The agency said it had collected samples of medications administered to the deceased for laboratory analysis, urging the public not to draw conclusions about the cause of death until investigations are concluded.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAFDAC said preliminary information showed that Daniel was first taken to the camp clinic on Wednesday, October 7, with symptoms suggestive of severe malaria. He was also reportedly a known patient with peptic ulcer disease.

According to the agency, he was treated and stabilised before being discharged with oral medications the following morning.

Daniel returned to the clinic on Saturday, October 10, complaining of pain in his right thigh. The attending doctor also observed that he was sweating profusely and found his blood pressure to be low.

NAFDAC said the corps member received intravenous fluids, but continued to experience episodes of low blood pressure and had poor urine output.

His deteriorating condition prompted a referral to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, where he reportedly fell into a coma. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

The agency said the preliminary clinical assessment indicated that the suspected cause of death was acute kidney injury resulting from severe dehydration and shock.

However, it stressed that the findings did not establish whether the medicines administered to Daniel contributed to his death.

NAFDAC said its officers had visited the camp clinic, interviewed the attending medical personnel and other staff, and collected samples of the medicines for laboratory analysis and further regulatory action.

The agency added that it would take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation.

NAFDAC commiserated with Daniel’s family and urged the public to remain calm while the investigation continues, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that medicines available in Nigeria meet the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy.