The ban also extends to the sale of codeine-containing cough syrup without prescription across the country.
The Minister of Health, Professor ISAAC ADEWOLE, announced the ban in Abuja through a statement released by the Assistant Director of Information in the ministry, OLAJIDE OSHUNDUN.
The ban might not be unconnected to widespread concerns about the harmful effect of codeine on drug addicts, which was further highlighted in a recent documentary by BBC’s “Africa Eye”.
In line with the decision, the Ministry of Health directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to stop further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations with immediate effect.
The statement quoted Professor ADEWOLE saying that the ban became necessary to check the gross abuse of codeine in the country.
Alternatively; the Health Ministry recommended the use of Dextromethorphan, which is considered less addictive than codeine, for the production of cough syrups in Nigeria.
Furthermore; the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria and NAFDAC are mandated to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine-containing cough syrups in the country.
In achieving the objective of checking abuse of pharmaceutical products, all agencies under the Health Ministry are expected to work together to increase vigilance around codeine, tramadol and other related substances of abuse.
Meanwhile; reports indicate that NAFDAC has already held an emergency meeting with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group to review the development.
NAFDAC has also placed an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine-containing cough syrups.