The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has blacklisted an Indian pharmaceutical company, Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, over its alleged role in the production and distribution of dangerous opioid combinations across West Africa, including Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, accused the Indian firm of manufacturing and exporting Tafrodol and Royal 225—drugs containing a hazardous mix of Tapentadol, a powerful opioid, and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant.
These substances, the agency warned, pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure, seizures, overdose, and even death.
An investigation by the British Broadcasting Corporation reportedly uncovered how Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ products have been found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Undercover footage allegedly captured the company’s manager, Vinod Sharma, admitting to distributing these drugs illegally for abuse.
NAFDAC further revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals was involved in the illegal exportation of high-dose Tramadol (above 100mg), a strength not registered or approved by Nigerian authorities.
In response to these alarming findings, NAFDAC announced decisive measures, including the permanent blacklisting of Aveo Pharmaceuticals and a ban on the registration of any of its products in Nigeria.
“Given the severity of these findings, NAFDAC has taken decisive action to blacklist Aveo Pharmaceuticals and block any future registration of its products in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through strict pharmaceutical regulations, enhanced surveillance, and intensified enforcement against illicit drug distribution hubs nationwide.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to avoid unregistered medicines and only use prescription drugs from licensed healthcare professionals, vowing to continue its fight against fake, substandard, and dangerous pharmaceuticals circulating in the country. It
