The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting local pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance national drug security. The agency is adopting market-friendly and innovation-driven policies to achieve this goal.
NAFDAC Signs Treaty with African Medicines Agency
In a significant move, NAFDAC has signed a treaty with the African Medicines Agency (AMA) to further strengthen regulatory systems across the continent, particularly in Nigeria. The signing took place during a One-Day Stakeholders’ Engagement on NAFDAC’s Regulatory Transformative Journey and Commitment to the AMA, held in Abuja.
Director General’s Remarks
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, stated that the current administration’s focus is on increasing local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported drugs. She called on stakeholders to continue collaborating with NAFDAC in implementing policies and regulatory directives that support local production.
Adeyeye highlighted that the agency is actively reducing the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines to boost medicine and health security in the country. She emphasized the importance of vigilance among consumers, urging them to purchase medicines only from reputable pharmacies and to obtain receipts. She noted that manufacturers are becoming more aware of the consequences of distributing substandard products, as NAFDAC intensifies its enforcement actions.
“We are making people understand that the money from bad medicine is blood money. It will take time to resonate, but it’s already reducing. We have to be patient and vigilant. Don’t buy medicines from unknown stores; buy from pharmacies and get your receipts,” Adeyeye said.
Investment in Workforce
Adeyeye also underscored the agency’s investment in its workforce, ensuring they are motivated and disciplined. She mentioned that NAFDAC has reinstated the 13th-month allowance for staff and has taken disciplinary actions, including suspensions and dismissals, to maintain integrity. “Our people’s lives are in our hands as regulators,” she added.
Collaboration with AMA
The Director General explained that the engagement aimed to showcase NAFDAC’s strengths and its commitment to working with AMA to curb the movement of substandard food and drugs within Africa. She noted that the treaty signing demonstrates solidarity and enhances trade collaboration among African countries.
“If a country lacks manufacturing capacity, they can come to another country with facilities for contract manufacturing. We are harmonizing to ensure African standards, not just Nigerian standards, but international standards,” Adeyeye stated.
AMA Director General’s Perspective
Dr. Mimi Darko, Director General of AMA, stated that the organization has the backing of the African Union. She expressed confidence that Nigeria’s partnership with AMA will strengthen the regulation of substandard drugs across the continent. “With Nigeria joining forces with AMA, we will witness better administration and achieve our goals. Nigeria is a strong ally in Africa,” Darko emphasized.
WHO Representative’s Comments
Dr. Pavel Ursu, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Nigeria, noted that a strong regulatory system is built on robust science. He praised NAFDAC for its significant investments in laboratory capacity and quality management systems. Ursu highlighted that NAFDAC’s Central Drug Control Laboratory has achieved WHO pre-qualification status, placing it among globally recognized quality control laboratories. Additionally, five of NAFDAC’s seven laboratories have attained ISO accreditation, confirming their technical competence in testing medicines, vaccines, and other regulated products.
“These achievements strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for quality assurance, support local manufacturing, and enhance global confidence in Nigeria’s regulated products. The impact has translated into tangible public health benefits, with increased detection and removal of substandard and falsified medical products,” Ursu said.
Permanent Secretary’s Remarks
Daju Kachollum, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, stressed the need to ensure that quality, efficacy, and safety remain the hallmarks of regulated products. She emphasized that health and progress are inseparable, and called for building a system that safeguards and empowers citizens, businesses, and the nation.
