Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • NAFDAC introduces video conferencing to cut expenditure

    NAFDAC introduces video conferences to cut cost
    By Mustapha Sumaila

    Prof. Moji Adeyeye, the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said she had introduced video conferences in the agency to cut cost.

    Adeyeye made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja on Monday.
    She explained that before her assumption of office in November 2017, a lot of money had been spent on travel expenses by officers of the agency whenever there was meeting.

    She said that she decided to check such unnecessary expenditure by introducing different Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to save money for the organisation.

    “Before I took over as D-G NAFDAC, a lot of money was spent on travel expenses especially when there is meeting that our officers from 36 states have to come to Abuja.

    “And I said, we can’t sustain that, two month ago, we introduced video conferences by using Skype to have our meetings.
    “ICT has made things easier for people therefore NAFDAC must key into it to move forward, the use of ICT suppose to be the trend in Nigeria, or else nobody will recognise us,” she said.

    Adeyeye noted that youths in the country were utilising the new way of communication but the establishments in the country were still left behind.
    She said that all the 2,300 members of the staff of the agency had been brought to the new website known as NAFDAC.org
    According to her, the new website is introduced to facilitate and enhance communication between the management and the staff.
    “This channel of communication will encourage transparency and organisation like NAFDAC needs to have good communication technology.
    “I thank God, within the short period, we achieved all this and they are very successful,” she said. (NAN)
    MS/MST
    Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

  • NAFDAC partners Benin Republic’s businessmen to prevent export of substandard products

    NAFDAC partners Benin Republic’s businessmen to prevent export of substandard products

    Substandard

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja, June 19, 2018 (NAN) The National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it is partnering with Benin Republic’s business community as part of efforts to prevent exportation of substandard and falsified products to Nigeria.

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC made this known at a Business Forum held in Cotonou in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The forum was also attended by the Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Mr Kayode Oguntuase.

    Adeyeye highlighted NAFDAC’s processes and registration requirements for certification of products by the agency.

    She said that NAFDAC’s guidelines for registration would be translated into French language in order to promote Federal Government’s ease of doing business with Benin Republic and other francophone countries.

    She said that the business forum became necessary as part of the organisation’s efforts to ensure that drugs, food and cosmetics products billed for export to Nigeria met required standards.

    The NAFDAC boss noted that with the existence of ECOWAS treaties governing trade and investment across West Africa, discussions at the forum would makes it easier to do business with neighbouring countries.

    She called for harmonisation of products registration process across Africa to standardise product quality on the continent, adding that such meetings were necessary to promote trade between West African nations and Africa as a whole.

    Responding, Mr Houssou Epiphone, the Head of the food and drug regulatory body in Benin Republic urged the D-G of NAFDAC to “do everything possible to set up the machinery that will facilitate trade between Benin and Nigeria’’.

    Epiphone noted the difficulties encountered by his country’s businessmen during registration process, suggested some initiatives, including signing of MOU with NAFDAC to ease registration of products and create framework for further meetings.

    Mr Soule Yacoubou, the Vice President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Benin Republic, led a strong representation of businessmen and women to the forum. (NAN)
    BL/KOO/MZA/GY
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    Edited by Kelvin Okonzua/ Ahmed Maharazu/Grace Yussuf.

  • NAFDAC strengthens collaboration with Nigeria Customs Service

    NAFDAC strengthens collaboration with Nigeria Customs Service

    NAFDAC has intensified collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service for protection of Nigerians against importation of unwholesome products.

     

    NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Christiana Adeyeye, who led a delegation of the Agency to Seme boder for a courtesy visit to NCS Seme Area controller, Mr Mohammade Aliyu, stressed the need for effective working relationship between NAFDAC and NCS to the benefit of Nigerians.

     

    According to a NAFDAC statement made available to NAN on Wednesday in Abuja, Prof. Adeyeye commended the existing cordial relationship between NAFDAC and customs at the border.

     

    She emphasized the need to properly secure the nation’s entry port in collaboration with all relevant agencies to ensure that only wholesome products were imported into the country.

     

    Prof. Adeyeye noted that the seriousness of the efforts to tackle importation of “unwholesome, substandard and falsified’’ food and drugs into Nigeria necessitated greater cooperation between Agencies at the ports.

     

    Receiving the NAFDAC Boss, Mr Aliyu assured NAFDAC of NCS support in the Seme border area to help the Agency achieve its mandate.

    .

    The DG and her host Mohammed jointly witnessed destruction exercise of products worth N101,732,500.00 which was intercepted by operatives of the two agencies during  joint operations at Seme Border.

     

    The products destroyed included mosquitoes coils, Rice, drugs and other unwholesome products confiscated at the border.

     

    Some drugs confiscated by officials of NCS were also handed  over  to  NAFDAC.

     

    While in Seme, ,Prof Adeyeye also visited NAHCO officials and urged for  more collaboration  to allow  NAFDAC officials operate at the  airport  to prevent fake drugs  from being imported into the country through the  Airports.

     

     

  • NAFDAC expresses concern over abuse of prescription medicines

    NAFDAC expresses concern over abuse of prescription medicines

    By Mustapha Sumaila

    National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed concern over abuse of prescription medicines and other psychoactive substances.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, made the agency’s position known in a
    statement in Abuja on Thursday.

    Adeyeye stated that the fundamental objective of drug control conventions was to achieve balance between ensuring availability for medical and scientific purposes and preventing diversion to illicit use and abuse.

    She noted that NAFDAC would continue to raise awareness on consequences of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

    According to her, such will be done through effective and comprehensive demand reduction initiatives in accordance with the three international drug control conventions and national legislation.

    She added that “controlled medicines offer simple, cost-effective solution to many health problems provided they are available, they are of the right quality, safety and efficacy and are rationally administered.

    “The Commission on Narcotic Drugs expects member states to improve access to controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes by appropriately addressing existing barriers in this regard.

    “The commission recommends review of the regulatory and administrative mechanism to ensure availability and access to controlled medicines.”

    She stated that the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through the NGA V16 Project, Response to Drugs and Related Organised Crime in Nigeria had assisted NAFDAC in developing data collection mechanisms for the estimation of national needs, as well as development of documents.

    According to her, the move will improve the administrative framework for drug control and, in capacity building and training of regulators and health care professionals for improved access to controlled medicines.

    “The most commonly abused drugs in the country are Tramadol and Codeine.

    “Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain and the most abused effective medicine among addicts.

    “It has no effect on the respiratory system but overdose can cause arrhythmias, cramps, coma and death.

    “In Nigeria, it is regulated as the 50mg and 100mg dosage strengths but very high dosage forms of 200 and 225mg have infiltrated markets.

    “Also, there is noticeable increase in smuggling of Tramadol capsules.

    “Tramadol use disorder is associated with physical withdrawal symptoms and compulsive behaviour`.”

    The NAFDAC boss stated that the lack of due diligence to ensure the integrity of the distribution chain had led to unauthorised distributors distributing the products to illicit channels and to traders with little or no knowledge of public health.

    The director general reiterated the agency’s determination to implementing the recommendations of the UN General Assembly (UNGASS) 2016 outcome document on safe use of controlled medicines for pain and palliative care.

    According to Adeyeye, it is important to develop early warning systems that look at the emergence and consequences of non-medical use of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

    She emphasised the need to support and strengthen the regulatory framework that would ensure best clinical practices and rational use of controlled medicines.

    She added that stakeholders had started working with Minister of Health, Office of National Security Adviser and the Presidency to develop strategies to mitigate the abuse of drugs in the country. (NAN)
    MS/HA
    ======
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  •  DG sacks NAFDAC consultants over anomalies and irregularities

    DG  sacks NAFDAC consultants over anomalies and irregularities

    By Biola Lawal

    Directpr-General of  NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has revoked the appointments of NAFDAC consultants over allegations of anomalies and irregularities

    Prof. Adeyeye said in a statement obtained by Flowerbud news on Friday in Abuja that  activities of the consultants were becoming detrimental to the Federal Government’s ease of doing business policy.

    “The operations of the NAFDAC Appointed Consultants in recent times have been fraught with a lot of challenges and irregularities, which militated against the very purpose of their appointment  i.e. easing regulatory business of the industry with NAFDAC.

    “NAFDAC, in this new dispensation under my watch, cannot allow these anomalies to continue,’’ Prof. Adeyeye declared.

    “Therefore, I have directed immediate revocation of the appointments of NAFDAC Consultants,’’ the Director-General Stated.

    Prof. Adeyeye said that industries and business organization with necessary dealings with NAFDAC should henceforth, deal directly with the Agency through designated officers.

    “Each business management interfacing with NAFDAC especially the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s)/Academic Consultants and company Regulatory Officers can interface with our staff,’’

    The NAFDAC Boss advised such organisations to interface with NAFDAC “by calling designated telephone numbers and nafdac website: www.nafdac.gov.ng and email addresses (attached).

    She directed NAFDAC officials to “ensure strict compliance,’’ with the revocation directive.

    Editor’s note:

    NAFDAC designated officers numbers and email addresses are below:

    Attachment)  Details of NAFDAC officials for interfacing with stakeholders:

    S/N Name Directorate Tel. Number Email
    1. Dr. Monica Eimunjeze Registration and Regulatory Affairs 07065276680 eimunjeze.m@nafdac.gov.ng
    2. Dr. Musa Umar Narcotics & Controlled Substances 0803516850 musa.umar@nafdac.gov.ng
    3. Mrs. Ngozi Onuorah Chemical Evaluation 08033067032 ngozi.onuorah@nafdac.gov.ng
    4. Mrs. Comfort Makanjuola South West Zone 08036673072 makanjuola.c@nafdac.gov.ng
    5. Mrs. Ijeoma Nwankwo Drug Evaluation & Research 08037775050 ijeoma.nwankwo@nafdac.gov.ng
    6. Mr. Sheriff Olagunju Food Safety & Nutrition 08033007258 olagunju.s@nafdac.gov.ng
    7. Mr. Clementina Anyakora Federal Capital Territory 08023029730 anyakora.c@nafdac.gov.ng
    8. Mr. Fori Tatama North East Zone 08036093178 fori.tatama@nafdac.gov.ng
    9. Mrs. Olajumoke Ojetokun South East Zone 08033075895 ojetokun.o@nafdac.gov.ng
    10. Mrs. Edosa Ogbeide Veterinary Medicine & Applied Products 08088753555 edosaogbeide@nafdac.gov.ng
    11. Mrs. Subulade Isijola South South Zone 08023744652 isijola.s@nafdac.gov.ng
    12. Mrs. Bolaji Abayomi North Central Zone 08035507545 abayomi.bolaji@nafdac.gov.ng
    13. Dauda Gimba North West Zone 08035894141 dauda.gimba@nafdac.gov.ng

     

     

     

     

     

  • NAFDAC enjoins restaurant operators to replace utensils

    NAFDAC enjoins restaurant operators to replace utensils

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
    The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised restaurant owners and other food vendors to ensure periodic replacement of their utensils.

    The agency’s Coordinator in Jigawa, Mr Abdulsalam Lawal, gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Tuesday.

    Lawal also called on them to keep their premises in hygienic condition to avoid contamination.
    He added that restaurant operators should also ensure that they carry out periodic medical check on their food handlers, adding “they should also ensure that food handlers used aprons, head gears and mouth masks while on duty’’.

    This, the coordinator said, would prevent hair, cough or sneeze from entering into the food they serve customers.
    Besides, he urged them to cut their nails to the lowest level, so that it will not harbour germs which could easily be transferred into food.

    Lawal said the agency periodically embarks on unscheduled inspections to enforce regulations and sanction erring restaurant owners.

    He assured that the agency would not relent in its efforts to ensure that food from restaurants is safe and clean for public consumption. (NAN)
    Edited by Fela Fashoro/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

  • NAFDAC wants more rehabilitation centres for drug addicts

     

    By Mustapha Sumaila

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has called for establishment of more rehabilitation centres to cater for drug addicts in the country.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Adeyeye explained that Nigeria had only 10 rehabilitation centres, which was grossly inadequate to rehabilitate drug addicts across the country.

    She said that there was the need for the government to provide more centres to take care of drug addicts, especially affected youths.

    Adeyeye said at least, 10 centres should be built in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    The director-general described the rising cases of abuse of controlled drugs such as tramadol and codeine as unfortunate.

    Adeyeye said that the most commonly abused drugs in the country were tramadol and codeine.

    The NAFDAC boss described tramadol as a synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain and is the most abused medicine among addicts.

    She added that its consumption had no effects on the respiratory system but an overdose causes arrhythmias, cramps, coma and death.

    “In Nigeria, it is regulated as the 50 and 100mg dosage strengths but very high dosage forms of between 200 and 225mg have infiltrated the market.

    “There is also noticeable increase in smuggling of tramadol capsules. Tramadol use disorder is associated with physical withdrawal symptoms and compulsive behaviour,’’ she explained.

    Adeyeye attributed disobedience to the laws of the land to the rising cases of drug abuse.

    According to her, smuggling substances of abuse through the country’s porous sea and land borders as well as corruption and compromises at the point of entries are factors responsible for high cases of drug abuse in the country.

    The director-general noted that she had reformed the agency within the short period she assumed duty to ensure the safety of lives. (NAN)
    Edited by Vivian Emoni/Ese E. Ekama

     

  • Counterfeit drugs: Reps urge NAFDAC to enforce MAS to protect Nigerians

    By EricJames Ochigbo
    House of Representatives has urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure that the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) is re-activated and applied to all drugs purchased in Nigeria.

    The house also urged Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to ensure implementation.

    The green chambers urged NAFDAC to, as a matter of urgency, begin a nationwide publicity on MAS to enlighten the public.

    The House took the decisions following unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos) during plenary session on Tuesday.

    Moving the motion earlier, Babajimi said that fake drugs undermined every aspect of medical treatment and was a major cause of death.

    He said that adulteration and counterfeiting of drugs negatively affect wellbeing.

    Babajimi added that trade in illicit drugs had escalated in Nigeria in recent times, noting that NAFDAC initiated MAS in 2010 to combat counterfeit drugs.

    The lawmaker explained that MAS allowed consumers to send by text message, an authentication code to a NAFDAC approved designated number to confirm the genuineness of purchased drugs.

    According to him, MAS allows consumers seeking to buy genuine drugs to scratch a coating on the packaging of the drug to reveal a unique 12 or 13 digit PIN.

    He explained that the code could be sent by Short Message Service (SMS) text to a short code of 38353 and get response within seconds indicating if the drug was genuine or potentially fake or stolen.

    The lawmaker added that there had been less campaign on the authentication process in recent times and that most over the counter drugs and infant syrups do not have the unique 12 or 13 digit PIN.

    He urged NAFDAC and SON to be up and doing in the task of educating the public on
    how to identify fake and counterfeit drugs, stressing that sensitisation was key.

    The Speaker of the House, Mr Yakubu Dogara, mandated the Committee on Health Care Services to ensure compliance (NAN)
    EOO/JEO/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

    News Agency of Nigeria
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    NAN

  • NAFDAC to hold urgent forum on Mobile Authentication Service

    The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it will hold an urgent stakeholders forum to present the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) Guidelines to the public in line with a directive from the House of Representatives.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement she personally signed in Abuja on Friday.

    Adeyeye disclosed that the forum will be held this month in conjunction with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).

    “I am pleased to note the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives’ concern about Substandard and Falsified medicines (SF), and the urge to use Mobile Authentication Scheme (MAS) to detect counterfeit medicines.

    “The MAS was deployed by NAFDAC in 2010 as an anti-counterfeiting tool to curb the menace of substandard and falsified medical products.

    “The medicines identified for implementation and enforcement in the first stage of the MAS scheme are antimalarials and antibacterials,” she said.

    The NAFDAC boss stated that these classes of medicines were selected as a result of high incidence of counterfeiting and the adverse impact on public health.

    She added that the scheme was not fully implemented by all relevant stakeholders despite several enforcement deadlines issued by NAFDAC for compliance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the House of Representatives directed the NAFDAC to enforce the MAS on all drugs in the country.

    The House also mandated its Committee on Health Care Services to liaise with the agency to ensure public enlightenment and total compliance to the service.

    MAS allows customers to identify the genuineness of products, especially drugs, by scratching a thin coating of a unique 12-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), which is then sent via SMS to 38353 code for a quick feedback within seconds.

    The resolution followed a motion on the rising cases of fake drugs in the country by Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos).

    Benson, in a lead debate, decried the growing incidences of drug adulteration and counterfeiting, which he said had taken an alarming dimension due to non-compliance to MAS.

    “The World Health Organisation said 17 per cent of all drugs in Nigeria are fake, which undermine all aspects of medical treatment and healthcare delivery which were major causes of suffering and deaths,” Benson said. (NAN)