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The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has dismissed allegations of irregularities in the procurement of syringes for Nigeria’s immunisation programme, insisting that all processes followed due diligence and international best practices. This follows a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a group describing itself as concerned staff members […]

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has dismissed allegations of irregularities in the procurement of syringes for Nigeria’s immunisation programme, insisting that all processes followed due diligence and international best practices.

This follows a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a group describing itself as concerned staff members of the agency, alleging lapses in procurement procedures and the supply of substandard syringes.

The group, in a letter dated March 10, also raised concerns about possible public health risks, claiming that some syringes supplied “do not conform to the requirements of qualification for use as approved immunization syringes.”

They further alleged that the situation could expose immunisation recipients, particularly children, to health risks and called for a comprehensive probe into the agency’s procurement activities.

However, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, firmly rejected the claims, describing them as baseless and misleading.

“Let me clarify the matter. The agency has received two petitions and both focus on the same issue,” Aina said in an interview with Daily Trust.

He explained that Nigeria’s immunisation supply chain largely relies on international partners, particularly UNICEF, which provides vaccines alongside compatible syringes.

“When UNICEF delivers vaccines, they arrive bundled with syringes… for nearly every vaccine, a corresponding syringe is already supplied,” he stated.

According to Aina, this system significantly reduces the need for independent procurement of syringes by the agency.

Providing data to support his position, he noted a steady decline in syringe procurement over recent years following an internal review.

“In 2023, the agency procured 24.8 million syringes; in 2024, 16 million; and by 2025, it dropped to 4.8 million,” he said.

He added that the agency had since taken stricter measures to limit procurement to only critical needs.

“We imposed a ban on further syringe procurement unless absolutely necessary,” Aina disclosed.

Addressing specific allegations about certain syringe brands, the NPHCDA boss described them as entirely false.

“The agency has never procured Pagreens syringes… The allegation is entirely fabricated,” he said.

Aina also stressed that all procurement activities adhered strictly to regulatory requirements, including approvals from relevant authorities.

“All procurements in 2024 received ‘No Objection’ from the Bureau of Public Procurement,” he added.

He further questioned the credibility of the petitioners, noting that their identities could not be verified, which raises concerns about the intent behind the allegations.

On the call for investigation by the EFCC, Aina welcomed scrutiny, expressing confidence in the agency’s records and processes.

“I have no objection to an EFCC investigation. We have all the evidence and records,” he said.

The NPHCDA reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in Nigeria’s immunisation programme, assuring the public that all vaccines and related materials deployed meet required safety and quality standards.