News

NAFDAC Alerts Public To Fake Antimalarial, Aflotin

Published

1 year ago

April 10, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has notified the public that a batch of counterfeit Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets is currently circulating under the brand name Aflotin 20/120 in Nigeria.

The counterfeit product was discovered and reported to the agency by the genuine manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma Limited, Mumbai, India.

NAFDAC, in a statement on its website, disclosed, “According to Ajanta Pharma, the following observations were made on the counterfeit product.

“The batch number PA2128L was manufactured by Ajanta Pharma in December 2018, with an expiry date of November 2020. This batch was created for Combisunate 20/120 (Artemether 20mg/Lumefantrine 120mg tablets), with a pack size of 30 x 24 tablets, which is now being counterfeited and sold as Aflotin 20/120mg with a pack size of 1 x 18 tablets.”

The agency further noted that the overprinted matter and text on the carton of the counterfeit Aflotin 20/120mg artwork did not match Ajanta’s overprinting style and approved artwork.

“Ajanta Pharma has confirmed that the Aflotin 20/120mg with batch number PA2128L available in the Nigerian market is counterfeit, as determined by the investigation carried out and observations made on the product.

“Genuine Aflotin 20/120 tablet is a combination of Artemether/Lumefantrine (20mg/120mg) and is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite,” the statement further read.

NAFDAC emphasised that counterfeit or falsified medicines endangered people’s health because they did not comply with regulatory standards, which means the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products were not ensured.

Consequently, the use of counterfeit medicines often fails to treat diseases or conditions effectively, leading to serious health consequences, including death.

The drug control agency listed the details of the counterfeit product as:
“Product Name: AFLOTIN 20/120mg (Artemether 20mg/Lumefantrine 120mg); Batch No: PA2128L; Mfg. Date: 04/2023; Exp. Date: 03/2026; Stated Manufacturer: Ajanta Pharma Limited, Mumbai, India.
“Stated Manufacturer Address: B-4/5/6, MIDC Industrial Area, Paithan, 431 148. Read/Corp. Off/Bureau, Ajanta House, Charkop, Kandivli (W), Mumbai 400 067.”

It added, “All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been informed and directed to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products found within their zones and states.

“Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.”

NAFDAC urged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.