By Abubakar Gambo
Dutse (Flowerbudnews): The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified enlightenment of its stakeholders in Jigawa state to enhance good manufacturing practices and protect public health.
As a major public enlightenment strategy, an all-inclusive Sensitization Workshop was held for water producers (ATWAP), and NAPPMED members, Agrochemical Dealers, Master Bakers, Supermarket Operators, Fast Food Restaurants and MSMEs in Dutse.
Speaking at the workshop, NAFDAC Director, North West Zone, Mrs. Josephine Dayilim said that the workshop marked a significant step to ensure the safety and quality of regulated products circulating in the market, particularly in Jigawa state.
”The Agency, whose mandate is to register and monitor the production, distribution and sales of these products and services decided to embark on a nationwide workshop to rijjig this mandate that is why we are here today in Jigawa state,” Mrs. Dayilim said.
She noted that Jigawa state ”is a young but fast developing state with many eager and enterprising youth population,” adding that the workshop was ”to empower stakeholders with better knowledge on how to do business without compromising quality and safety of the products.”
The NAFDAC Zonal Director said that the Agency’s stakeholders who participated in the workshop played pivotal role in the economic development of the Nation.
”You are the backbone of our nation, providing essential goods and services to our fellow citizens,” she said adding however, that the status also required ”a great responsibility—ensuring the safety and quality of the products we offer to the public,” from the participants.
She reiterated that ”NAFDAC’s mandate is to safeguard the health of the nation by ensuring that only safe and quality products are available in the market.”
The NAFDAC Zonal Director noted that, part of the problem in the past regarding high registration costs was due to interactions of some companies with consultants.
She stated NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye’s prompt jettisoning of the use of consultants on her assumption of leadership of the Agency has helped to
completely eliminate bottlenecks in products registration with NAFDAC.
The Zonal Director said that under Prof. Adeyeye, NAFDAC has effected processes and procedures have been put in place that has removed challenges faced by stakeholders, especially those into manufacturing like MSMEs.
The NAFDAC Director General, she said, had successfully streamlined registration procedures and use of common facilities, reduction in tariff, discontinuation of use of consultants, small business support desk, one stop shop to enhance the Agency’s operations with stakeholders.
Mrs Dayilim stressed the importance of adhering to regulatory standards, saying ,”your success is intertwined with the trust your customers place in your products.
”It is not only a legal requirement but a moral obligation to prioritize the safety and well-being of those who consume what you produce or sale”.
Addressing supermarket owners, Mrs Dayilim said that their establishments were ”central to the daily lives of our community.’:
”As you stock your shelves with a variety of products, I implore you to be vigilant. Verify the authenticity of the products you sell and ensure that they comply with NAFDAC regulations,” She urged the supermarket owners.
The NAFDAC Zonal Director told the supermarket owners that their ”role is not just about providing convenience; it’s about being a trusted source of safe and quality products for our citizens.’:
She said that Global listing scheme was introduced to allow for the importation of specific regulated products (Food and cosmetics items) subject to meeting established conditions or requirement.
‘:The consideration of this category become necessary because of the large number of items under scheme and to meet special needs by certain groups or organizations in NigeriaI understand that navigating regulatory requirements can be challenging, especially for those of you who are just starting in the business.,” she said, assuring : NAFDAC is committed to supporting you through this process.
”We have streamlined our registration procedures and provided channels for consultation. Our doors are open to address your concerns and provide guidance,” she stated.
Mrs Dayilim urged them to embrace collaboration among businesses. Share best practices, learn from one another, and collectively raise the standard of quality in our market.
She said: ”Together, we can create an environment where consumers can confidently purchase goods, knowing that their safety is a top priority for every business in Jigawa state and the nation at large.’:
Concluding, she declared ”Let us embrace the responsibility that comes with entrepreneurship and work hand in hand with NAFDAC to ensure that our products meet the highest standards. By doing so, we not only protect the health of our citizens but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of our businesses.’:
In his welcome address earlier, Mr. Ali B Mshelia (NAFDAC State Coordinator, Jigawa state Called for more support from the state government and the people of Jigawa for the achievement of NAFDAC’ mandate of protecting public health.
He disclosed that unwholesome, fake and counterfeited products worth over N36, 680,696.00 had been successfully removed from circulation in the past years by NAFDAC in Jigawa state.
“”One can but only imagine the damage to human body and tissue if those products were not removed from the market,” Mshelia stated.
NAFDAC was established by Decree No. 15 of 1993 as amended by Decree No. 19 of 1999 and now the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act Cap N1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004 to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Packaged Water, Chemicals and Detergents (collectively known as regulated products).
The Agency was officially established in October 1992. (flowerbudnews)
