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  • NAFDAC trains staff on quality management system

    By Mustapha Sumaila

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has embarked on “Quality Management System’’ (QMS) training as part of rebuilding process to uphold standard.
    The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
    Adeyeye said that the training focused on the use of international standards for running the agency with the purpose of placing premium on satisfaction of end-users or stakeholders of NAFDAC’s regulatory controls.
    According to her, the goal is to safeguard the health of Nigerians.
    She explained that NAFDAC desired to be International Standard Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 90001- 2015 certified, to imbibe quality operation culture and be at par with other regulatory authorities worldwide.
    The director-general said that a major requirement to achieve the feat was that the agency should institute, implement and maintain an active QMS across all sections of its operations.
    “In addition to the above, the agency also identified the need to use standardised and documented procedures to improve all activities and achieve its mandate of safeguarding the health of the nation.
    “This would include operating a system that will be highly efficient in administration and active in internal auditing.’’
    The NAFDAC boss said that a detailed work-plan had been developed to provide a road map to implement QMS in the agency, and ultimately attain ISO 9001:2015 certification.
    According to her, a gap-assessment has been conducted on all NAFDAC directorates between October 2016 and May 2017, to determine lapses and proffer support where needed.
    She added that the recommendations from the report on the exercise were being addressed. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC DG implements Agency-Wide Quality Management System (QMS) training to enhance productivity

    NAFDAC has commenced an  Agency-wide QMS training as part of the rebuilding process  began by the Director-General,  Prof. Moji Adeyeye few months ago.

    “The training is focused on the use of international standards for running the Agency with the purpose of placing a premium on the satisfaction of end-users or stakeholders of NAFDAC’s regulatory controls,” Prof. Adeyeye said on Monday in Abuja., adding that the overall “goal is to safeguard the health of Nigeria’s population”.

    Prof. Adeyeye reiterated her determination to ensure that NAFDAC is certified by the International Standard Organisation for Standardization (ISO)  very soon in line with  ISO’s 90001- 2015 rule.

    The certification would help NAFDAC certified “imbibe a quality operation culture and be at par with other Regulatory Authorities worldwide”.

    “A major requirement to achieve this feat is that the Agency shall institute, implement and maintain an active QMS across all sections of its operations.

    “In addition to the above, the Agency also identified the need to use standardised documented procedures to improve all activities and better achieve its mandate of safeguarding the health of the nation.

    “This would include operating a system that will be; • Highly efficient in administration and people management • Active in internal auditing • Understand and practice professionalism • Practice the culture of accountability and performance evaluation • Supportive of ease of doing business in Nigeria aimed at the MSMEs • Effective in governance • Open to continual review and improvement. •

    “Responsible in accounting and finance In order to properly position the Agency to realise these goals, the Director General directed the institution and implementation of QMS across all NAFDAC Directorates in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

    “A detailed work-plan has been developed to provide a road map to implementing QMS in the Agency, and ultimately attain ISO 9001:2015 certification.

    “A gap-assessment has been conducted on all NAFDAC Directorates between October 2016 and May, 2017 to determine lapses and proffer support where needed. Recommendations that arose from the report on this exercise are being addressed.

    “On 5th to 6th of March 2018, members of NAFDAC top and senior management including some other select members of staff were introduced to QMS principles and implementation.

    This took place to ensure that the Agency’s top and senior management understood the concept, significance and benefits of QMS. On 9-13th of April 2018, the already identified and trained QMS quality management from the directorates (known as the quality team) received Module 1 training that was sponsored by West African Health Organization (WAHO).

    The managers were charged to cascade the training to all NAFDAC offices – NAFDAC Headquarters, the FCT office and Lagos offices, Zone/State Offices In June and July, sensitization/training on Module 1 QMS Implementation was then cascaded down to NAFDAC Headquarters, the FCT and Lagos offices; all the six Geo-political Zones/and the 36 State Offices was completed in July 2018.

    West African Medicine Regulation Harmonization (WAMRH) sponsored part of the QMS training as part of the plan to assist five (5) ECOWAS countries in QMS toward ISO 90001:2015 certification.  FB- News

  • NAFDAC destroys N650m counterfeit goods in Kaduna

    By Stella Kabruk
    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake, counterfeit, sub-standard and expired drugs worth N650 million in Kaduna.

    The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, said at the destruction site in Buruku, Kaduna State, that the products were substandard, falsely labelled medicines, unwholesome food products and cosmetics.
    Others were counterfeited unsafe NAFDAC regulated products by the agency from manufacturers, importers and distributors.

    Represented by the North West Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Mr Gimba Dauda, she said the exercise was part of efforts to stop spurious NAFDAC regulated products from circulation in Nigeria.

    “The products being destroyed today are made of substandard and falsely labelled medicines, unwholesome food products, cosmetics and other counterfeited products.

    “Drug counterfeiting is an act of economic sabotage and also terrorism against public health,’’ the director-general said.
    Commending the Federal Government for banning the use of codeine syrup, Adeyeye said: “The decision is to ensuring the reduction in the abuse of the substance.
    “We have continued to aggressively pursue the goal that only genuine medicines and wholesome foods of the right qualities are imported, exported, manufactured and distributed.
    “We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for re-instating NAFDAC personnel to our ports of entry and borders.”
    She noted that the relentless effort of the federal government was helping in the increase seizures of counterfeited and substandard NAFDAC regulated products smuggled through the land borders.

    She said that NAFDAC has deepened its collaboration with agencies of government and stakeholders to end the spread of fake and counterfeited drugs in Nigeria.
    Part of the drugs, food, cosmetics and chemical destroyed included antibiotics, antimalarial, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer, herbal remedies and controlled substances.
    Others were Mom’s tomato paste, non-alcoholic beverages, maize flour, Eva complexion soap, hair cream and fake insecticides. (NAN)
    Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

  • NAFDAC cautions Nigerians on antimicrobial resistance

    NAFDAC cautions Nigerians on antimicrobial resistance

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned the general public on the usage of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

    The AMR is regarded as the ability of Pathogenic Microorganism to resist the effect of anti-microbial agents when used to treat internal or external infection.

    The incidence of AMR leads to treatment failure or infections that cannot be easily treated could lead to death and economic loss.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, who gave the warning in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, said AMR had become a global concern to both human and animal.

    Adeyeye said that this was a real problem in Nigeria because people were fond of not finishing antibiotic medication or buy only what could be afforded.

    “In a local hospital in Nigeria, it was reported that many neonates or new-born acquire AMR from the mothers during childbirth.

    “The child’s infection ended up not responding to treatment with the usual antibiotics.

    “Many children have died as a result. This is not unique to the hospital,’’ she explained.

    Adeyeye said that she had directed the 14 directorates of NAFDAC to interact more with the Nigerian public through awareness and education on food or drug-related public health issues.

    “On this note NAFDAC wishes to draw the attention of the general public to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a subject that has become a global concern to both human and animal,’’ she said.

    According to her, one of the causes is by using antimicrobial agents when not needed and this can make the pathogenic microorganism develop resistance.

    She said that others were proliferation and use of fake, adulterated, and substandard antimicrobial agents that would result in exposure of pathogenic microorganism to sub-clinical or no dosage of antimicrobial agents.

    She added that misuse resulting from overuse and under-use of antimicrobial agents were implicated in the increasing trend of resistant pathogens in both human and animal populations. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC seizes 3,300kg of contaminated frozen vegetables – DG

    By Mustapha Sumaila

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it had seized 3,300kilograme of PINGUIN brand of frozen mixed vegetables across the country.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
    Adeyeye explained that she was informed on July 11 by Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) that Rapid Alert System on Food and Feed (RASFF) had confirmed that the compromised food (frozen mixed vegetables) was shipped to Nigeria.

    She said that her agency immediately gave a directive for a nation-wide surveillance and NAFDAC’s FSAN directorate went into action and confirmed that some of the implicated products actually arrived Nigeria.
    “Teams dispatched to the field found large quantities of the implicated products and placed them on HOLD. Placing on HOLD means the item cannot be distributed or sold.

    “The outbreak of Listeriosisin Europe was linked to frozen corn and other frozen mixed vegetables.
    “Listeria monocytogenes, the causative agent of listeriosis can be found in many foods and examples include smoked fish, meats, cheeses (especially soft cheeses) and raw vegetables.

    “Consumption of contaminated food or feed is the main route of transmission to humans and animals. Infection that can lead to death may also occur through contact with infected animals or people,” she explained.

    Adeyeye stated that those vegetables seized by her agency would be destroyed, pointing out that with this health risks to the Nigerian public had been mitigated while further surveillance was still ongoing.

    The director-general therefore advised the general public to take precautionary measures and return all such frozen vegetables (PINGUIN BRAND) manufactured between Aug. 13, 2016, and June 20, 2018, to the nearest NAFDAC office for destruction. (NAN)

    Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

  • Customs handover seized tramadol, cannabis to NDLEA, NAFDAC in Sokoto

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 120 wraps of cannabis and 68 cartons of Tramadol drugs smuggled into the country to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Sokoto.

    Mr Nasir Ahmad, the Customs Comptroller in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, performed the handover ceremony on Tuesday, saying that the items were seized on Saturday at Kamba border in Kebbi.

    Ahmad said the smuggled items were concealed in second-hand clothes.

    He said that it was revealed during investigation that the suspects abandoned their vehicles after they were spotted by Customs officials.

    He said that the cannabis was valued at N22 million, while Tramadol and Evergrip drugs was worth N20 million.

    The comptroller described the activities of smugglers as very inimical to the nation’s economy.

    According to him, many banditry and violent activities are often perpetrated under drug influence.

    He advised smugglers to find legitimate means of livelihood and shun acts that undermined the nation’s economy.

    Ahmad appealed to border communities to assist the agency with useful information that could help it to track down smugglers.

    Mr Hamis Yahaya, NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto State,  and Mr Mustapha Ali-Baba, NDLEA Head of Narcotics, Sokoto State Command, commended the Customs Service for its efforts.

    They expressed joy that the synergy that existed between their respective agencies and Customs had yielded fruitful results.

    They urged Nigerians to support the fight against smuggling and consumption of illicit drugs, which they described as detrimental to human health and the nation’s economy. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC seizes medical devices, expired drugs at Enugu airport

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized fake medical devices, cosmetics, expired drugs and empty labels worth N5.804 million at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
    NAFDAC’s Airport Head, Mr John Okwori, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.
    Okwori said that the seized fake products included unregistered and unlabeled blood glucose test strips unbranded from China to be possibly labelled in Nigeria and sold as imported original brand.
    He noted that other items confiscated were herbal skin doctor massage cream for stretch marks, which had no NAFDAC registration number and was equally imported from China.
    According to him, the agency also seized empty PVC cosmetic packaging containers for counterfeiting registered products and Benchmate PAR-BRO 60 powder in sachets all imported from China.
    “NAFDAC is hereby warning prospective importers of fake consignments to desist from patronising the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as the unit is up and ready to deal appropriately with such violators.
    “Just as the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has directed that serious action be taken against such imports and violators henceforth,’’ he said. (NAN)
    KSN/MST
    Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

  • NAFDAC seals 2 coys for marketing calcium sulphate without certificate

    By Mustapha Sumaila

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has sanctioned two chemical companies for marketing calcium sulphate without listing certificate in Abuja.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, said this on Monday in Abuja.

    Adeyeye explained that on Aug. 9, a team from the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate with armed police men as well as officers from CER-FCT sealed the warehouses of the two chemical companies.

    She said the team also arrested the companies’ representatives who were taken to NAFDAC office for further action.

    She said an inspection was conducted on the warehouses of Baruch Chemical Limited, Max and Bryan Company Limited and Jaji International Services Limited on March 29 and were found to be marketing Plaster of Paris (Calcium Sulphate) without listing certificates.

    “They were then advised to report to NAFDAC office to initiate the process of obtaining listing certificates.

    “As a result of their non-compliance, the companies were visited on 11th April 2018 for invitation to NAFDAC to intimate them on the process of obtaining listing certificate as chemical marketers but they refused to honour the invitation.

    “When the Managing Directors of both companies were contacted on telephone through the phone numbers supplied by the company representatives, the managing director of Max and Bryan Company Limited was very furious.

    “And he said he was not ready to listen to anybody and that we should stop disturbing the business that he has been in for the past 10 years,” said Adeyeye.

    According to Adeyeye, NAFDAC FCT office, prepared warning letters for the two companies on 18th April 2018.

    “But the letters could not be delivered at the period because of the industrial action that took place between 18th April and 4th June 2018,” she said.

    Adeyeye said the companies were issued warning letters on June 6, but the managing director of Max and Bryan Company Limited instructed his manager not to receive any letter from NAFDAC on his behalf.

    She disclosed that the managing director claimed that NAFDAC was doing illegal work to have visited his establishment.

    “The managing director further threatened that if the NAFDAC team should visit again, he would write a petition against the team leader and NAFDAC,” Adeyeye said in a statement.

    The NAFDAC boss said based on the threat and resistance, the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate was written on June 12 to take appropriate action against the offending establishments. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC seals bakery in Abuja for filthy production environment

    By Mustapha Sumaila
    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has sealed Lovers Bakery at Jikwoyi, Abuja, for filthy and unhealthy production environment.
    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
    Adeyeye said that the bakery, located in a commercial area of Jikwoyi Phase 1, was sealed following a tip off by consumers and an investigation at the bakery.
    She explained that the bakery was very untidy and had a toilet inside the production area as well as Pets (dogs) were seen roaming about in and out of the baking area.
    She said that the personnel met at the bakery were not properly dressed and it was obvious that the production staff live in the baking premises.
    According to her, the cloak room was converted to a living quarter for bakery staff while the oven is made of firewood which makes the whole environment very untidy at the time of visit.
    She said that when this was discovered by the NAFDAC team, the bakery was sealed off and placed on hold.
    “A second visit was made to the bakery on the July 23, 2018, following information that activities were still going on in the bakery.
    “The inspectors observed that there was evidence to show that the HOLD label on the facility had been tampered with, as some of the baking pans containing dough during the initial visit had been taken away.
    “And it was obvious they gained access by jumping the fence.
    “The manager claimed the place was probably burgled without his knowledge because he travelled when the incidence occurred.
    “Another HOLD label has now been placed on the bakery and administrative charge imposed on the company,” she explained.
    The director-general renewed the commitment and determination of the agency to ensure people do not consume unwholesome food or drinks in accordance with its mandate. (NAN)

    Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola