Federal Ministry of Health Orders Recall of Ibuprofen Suspension, Nail Polish Over Safety Risks

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has directed hospitals and healthcare institutions across Nigeria to immediately suspend the purchase and use of certain medical and consumer products following safety concerns linked to cancer risks, contamination, and serious neurological disorders.

In a circular dated June 4, 2026, and addressed to Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs), the ministry announced the recall and withdrawal of three categories of products following alerts received from international health regulatory agencies.

According to the circular, the affected products include Impala Gel Nail Polish, Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension, and medicines containing Levamisole.

The ministry stated that Impala Gel Nail Polish was recalled after Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) identified the presence of substances associated with carcinogenic and reproductive health risks. The substances reportedly include Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide and N-dimethyl-p-toluidine.

The circular also highlighted a recall by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension (120ml) due to contamination concerns. The affected products are identified as Lot Numbers 7261973A and 7261974A, with an expiry date of January 31, 2027.

In addition, the ministry announced the withdrawal of medicines containing Levamisole following reports linking the drug to leukoencephalopathy, a rare but serious neurological condition that affects the brain’s white matter.

The Federal Ministry of Health instructed healthcare facilities to immediately halt the procurement and use of the affected products and to report any adverse reactions associated with them to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The ministry further urged medical institutions to ensure strict compliance with the directive and to disseminate the information widely to safeguard public health.

The circular was signed by Dr. Gloria Uzoigwe, Head of the Dentistry Division, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.