Tag: NAFDAC

 

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS) NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has vowed to continue crackdown on drug counterfeiters, decrying as hatchet work of cartels, a viral video inciting traders against the Federal government and the Agency.

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(NAFDAC operatives in action against counterfeiters)

:The cartel, along with their co-conspirators, are the ones creating incitements to divert attention from the real issues to escape the long arm of the law for the heinous crimes being committed against humanity,” Prof. Adeyeye declared in statement issued on Monday and personally signed by her.

She urged lawful traders and Nigerians in general to disregard the content of the viral video, saying:

”All law-abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses while the merchants of death who are responsible fuelling insecurity and peddling of fake medicines in Nigeria will be fished out and dealt with in accordance with the law.”

She stated that what the ‘:perpetrator has done is that he has openly told his audience to defy the regulatory processes of NAFDAC following the enforcement operation carried out under the Office of the National Security Adviser.”

The NAFDAC Boss said that her Agency ”will allow the law enforcement agencies determine whether he is in violation of any laws, particularly with regards to the making of videos that may be considered inciteful.’:

”NAFDAC will continue to ensure that all medical products – medicines, vaccines, medical devices and others being used in Nigeria are of good quality, safe, and efficacious,” the DG assured.

The full statement:
REJOINDER: INCITING STATEMENT BY A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER AGAINST THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading information as contained in videos that are trending on the social media of the incitement of traders of Onitsha Bridge Head Market by one social media influencer.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) therefore, wishes to alert the public and security agencies on the incitement, which may constitute a breach of the Cybercrime Act.

The public will recall the recent enforcement operation in three Open Drug Markets (Idumota, Aba and Onitsha) in the country where banned, expired, falsified, substandard narcotic medicines worth more than a trillion Naira were removed and subsequently destroyed.

Between 9th February and 27th March 2025, NAFDAC, conducted a raid operation to remove unregistered, expired, banned, diverted donation drugs, substandard, falsified, and illicit narcotics and controlled substances from the three major Open Drug Markets (ODM) in the country.

All the warehouses, shops and parking stores in the three Open Drug Markets did not meet the minimum requirements of Good Storage and Distribution Practices.

More importantly, there was no proof of registration of these Open Drug Market premises by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) – a clear contravention/violation of the pertinent extant law of the federation.

NAFDAC as a regulatory agency created by an Act of the Federal Government has the mandate to, among other things, regulate and control the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water and chemicals (referred to as NAFDAC Regulatory Products).

As part of the mandate, NAFDAC routinely carries out inspection of production, distribution and sales outlets of regulated products, and post approval surveillance of regulated products to ensure conformity with standards of approvals. The Agency on a routine basis also visits sales and distribution outlets to address intelligence, petitions and complaints received on issues that have to do with its mandate.

The Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods ACT C34 prohibits the sales of drugs in certain places or premises, which includes any market, kiosk, motor park, road-side stall or in any bus, ferry or any other means of transportation.

Due to the intervention of the respective state governments, the traders were given a moratorium to relocate to a conducive Coordinated Warehouse Centre where their activities will be well monitored and controlled while being held accountable for previous infractions to serve as a deterrence in accordance with gazetted regulations.

The market was reopened on the 9th of March 2025 and over 2500 traders with 3500 shops who have come forward for necessary regulatory procedure have resumed their normal activity in Ogbogwu market.

It is pertinent to note that the remaining few shops whose owners have refused to come forward for identification are the ones with outrightly banned narcotics according to our database.

The cartel, along with their co-conspirators, are the ones creating incitements to divert attention from the real issues to escape the long arm of the law for the heinous crimes being committed against humanity.

All law-abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses while the merchants of death who are responsible fuelling insecurity and peddling of fake medicines in Nigeria will be fished out and dealt with in accordance with the law.

In the meantime, what this perpetrator has done is that he has openly told his audience to defy the regulatory processes of NAFDAC following the enforcement operation carried out under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The Agency will allow the law enforcement agencies determine whether he is in violation of any laws, particularly with regards to the making of videos that may be considered inciteful.

NAFDAC will continue to ensure that all medical products – medicines, vaccines, medical devices and others being used in Nigeria are of good quality, safe, and efficacious.

We will continue to provide assurances that these commodities are well monitored to avoid the deaths of pregnant women, children, and to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of the citizenry, while reducing the incidence of untimely deaths of adults living with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes.
NAFDAC is working within the purview of her mandate.NAFDAC………

…Safeguarding the Health of the Nation Prof Mojisola AdeyeyeDG NAFDAC

 

By Biola Lawal
Oshogbo (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Osun has commenced a sensitisation campaign to educate agro-imput dealers on dangers to public health of inappropriate handling and exposure of agro chemicals.

(Dr. Isaac Kolawole, NAFDAC Coordinator, Osun State)

Speaking in an interview with FLOWERBUDNEWS on Wednesday in Oshogbo, NAFDAC Osun State Coordinator, Dr. Isaac Kolawole said that the enlightenment campaign was a proactive measure to prevent sale or use of banned or unwholesome chemicals for agricultural production.

Chemicals banned from being used for farming and other agricultural production included PARAQ and CABO FURAL, he told FLOWERBUDNEWS.

The State Coordinator disclosed that the Agency.has already taken the sensitisation campaign to fifteen of the 30 local government areas of the state, assuring that all the remaining 15 would be covered before the end of year.

Dr. Kolawole stated that mishandling and use of unwholesome chemicals in agricultural production endangered humans through consumption of farm products nursed with such chemicals and the chemicals’ exposure to the environment.

‘The NAFDAC State Coordinator said it also causes depletion of the ozone layer and could induce infertility and cancer in human beings.

He said that the Agency was also utilising the sensitisation activity to guide the agro inputs dealers on necessities for them to secure NAFDAC Listing which is a requirement for them to conduct business in agro-chemicals.

Dr. Kolawole stressed that chemicals were part of products which are being regulated by NAFDAC in accordance with its mandate and, a Dealer is certified as Listed when he/she has met all the necessary conditions stipulated for anyone wishing to engage in agro-imputs’ business.

The State Coordinator explained that one of the most crucial requirement from dealers is the engagement of qualified and competent science officer who should possess at least an Ordinary National Diploma (OND).

Dr. Kolawole said that the Agency had, out of the magnanimity and desire of the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye to aid the growth of businesses in the regilated products sector, entered into partnership with CropLife which trained personnel of the dealers and equipped them with basic scientific knowledge which made them suitable perform their functions.

(A cross section of participants at one of sensitisation programme held for agro inputs dealers in Osun State)

He said that NAFDAC’s basic target in Osun State is to have at least five listed dealers in each of the 30 local government areas, which would be a total of about 150 dealers across the state whichb would stimulate economic empowerment benefits.

Dr. Kolawole disclosed that the Agency has been able List about seven dealers, but expected more to qualify with the proactive measures being taken to aid them.

The State Coordinator commended the Nigerian Agro Imputs Dealers Association (NAIDA) Osun State branch for their cooperation, which he noted had made NAFDAC operations smooth with their members.(FLOWERBUDNEWS)

 

 

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) has condemned the use of fake agrochemicals and pesticides for crops yield and preservation of poultry birds.

 

Mr Emeka Orajaka, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, stated this during farmers forum tagged, “Best Practices to maximise profits in poultry business” on Thursday in Abakalik

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Ltd in collaboration with the Ebonyi chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN)

Orajaka said that there was need to purchase genuine products from verified source to prevent health and safety hazards.

 

“You must apply good agricultural practices in order to achieve good profit. Anything you are doing without good practice, will amount to nothing.

 

“Lack of good practice brings lots of challenges in the food industry, especially among the farmers.

 

“You can imagine when people use bad chemicals for farming and for preservation of food. Bad chemicals, when used, can retain in the body of plants or animals and these become a threat to human health when consumed,’’ he said..

According to him, pesticides and agrochemical play a significant role in agric valued chains in preservation, loses reduction and improve crop yield.

“Indiscriminate use of agrochemical is of a great concern to NAFDAC. That is why we only approve competent dealers for distribution of agrochemicals.

 

“We must desist from such bad chemicals in our modern days agricultural,” Orajaka advised

 

In his address, Mr Peace Obawo, National Sales Manager of Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Ltd, said the programme became necessary to educate farmers on the proper use of feed and medications in their poultry.

He further identified counterfeit agrochemicals as harmful and urged farmers to desist from using it.

 

A Poultry farmer, Joy Egbo, thanked Karma Company and NAFDAC for the programme and pledged to promote the use of the approved agrochemicals.

 

– Advocates Collaboration of Pharmaceutical Coys and Nig. Universities to Develop new Medicines, Vaccines to reduce Nigeria’s overdependence on imported medical products.

 

 

By Biola Lawal
FLOWERBUDNEWS: The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s courageous move of banning importation of products that are being produced locally.

Prof. Adeyeye gave the commendation while speaking on ‘Industry, Regulatory, and Academia: The Future of Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Nigeria is Now’ at the 38th edition of Prof Victor Olufemi Marquis’ Memorial lecture, organised by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, lle-Ife, Osun State.

The NAFDAC Boss described the ban on the importation of readily available products in Nigeria as the needed elixir for the growth of the local industry, a statement by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant stated.

She advocated collaboration between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and Nigeria universities in the development of new medicines and vaccines to reduce the overdependence on imported medical products.

Prof Adeyeye urged the nation’s academia and pharmaceutical industry to forge a partnership in Research and Development to enable the development of new products, including medicines and vaccines, that can address specific healthcare needs in Nigeria.

Prof. Adeyeye, who was the Guest Lecturer, said that universities were well-positioned to develop skills, and to transfer knowledge, and technology to the industry, adding that universities were a hub for creating new enterprises, and their roles in knowledge and technology innovation tend to become more diverse.

She said that academia–industry linkage is essential for any nation to survive because it creates a formal platform for joint planning and implementation of mutually beneficial ties to both sides.

Prof Adeyeye, who said that NAFDAC already has relationships with many universities in Nigeria, added that such collaborations would also create an opportunity for the university and students to have experiential learning in the manufacturing and service industry.

Prof Adeyeye described the Academia-Industry relationship as the lifeblood of the nation’s economic growth, adding that it also increases competitiveness and the development of new products.

She added that once economic growth and industry expand, societal challenges, especially unemployment, will be reduced, GDP will increase, and quality of life will improve.

She disclosed that over the last seven years, the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry has grown significantly, driven by increasing demand for healthcare solutions, strengthening the regulatory system, and other government initiatives, such as the Executive Order announced by President Bola Tinubu in 2024.

‘NAFDAC conducted a study on the top five imported pharmaceutical products and the top five products manufactured locally.

The results revealed that the top five products we imported were the same top five that were locally produced.

It didn’t make sense to continue importing these products, so the Agency enforced the “Five Plus Five” Regulatory Directive.

 

(Gate of  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, venue of the Memorial lecture/

 

This means the first registration of an imported product that is part of the top five gives authorisation to sell for five years, and the next five years will be the last registration cycle, at the end of which the product must be manufactured locally.

About 30 per cent of new or re-built local manufacturing companies in Nigeria now are a result of the “Five Plus Five” Regulatory Directive’, she said.

The NAFDAC boss maintained that the Agency is setting the stage for pharmaceutical R&D with the nation’s vast and untapped potential, stressing that global trends emphasise local innovations leading to self-sufficiency in healthcare.

She insisted that we must be proud of what we produce in Nigeria, as ‘our products are now of better quality than what they used to be because of the regulatory system strengthening.’

‘‘NAFDAC’s role is pivotal in enabling this transformation and the time to build a robust R&D system for a healthier Nigeria is now,’’ she said, adding that the COVID-19 Pandemic and ongoing global business realignment are happenings that should teach us lessons to not be too dependent on other countries for commodities that can be produced in country while maintaining general global trade collaborations.

She reiterated that the country will undoubtedly import some drugs, but we should detach ourselves from our addiction to donations and handouts from other countries, as God has given us so much talent that is being wasted. She said that R&D is not a luxury but a necessity for national health security and economic growth.

To jumpstart the process, Prof Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC plans to initiate a pilot R&D collaboration programme with participants drawn from the universities and a select group of Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers.

She said manufacturers would choose their preferred university partners on specific R&D projects, subject to their needs or gaps. She stressed that the Academia-Industry linkage must be based on legally endorsed confidentiality agreements and Memorandum of Understanding.

She told the very excited academic audience that the pilot programme, which she would oversee at arm’s length to avoid any conflict of interest where the product of the industry-academia collaboration comes to the Agency for regulatory approval. The program according to the Director General could be scaled up in the future.

She said she would work closely with the CEO of the Nigeria Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA), who is also very active in the National Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), to oversee the selections from the universities to ensure that the collaboration will be productive.

The careful selection is to ensure that the identified faculty, which will be narrowed down to one or two researchers per university, has the experience to work with the industry to translate the research into a product, solve a pharmaceutical problem, and focus efforts on return on investment that will be made by the industry.

She gave the example of company ‘A’ identifying a product with soon-to-expire patent protection, which the company can work with university researchers to reformulate a sustained-release version of the product to enhance patient compliance.

Prof. Adeyeye mentioned possible areas of collaboration between the industry and academia, especially regarding clinical trials, or bioequivalence studies where the universities can partner on patient recruitment, trial coordination, and ethical approvals. Joint development of indigenous vaccines to fight endemic diseases in the West African region, like Lassa fever, should be the preoccupation of the universities.

She said that another channel of participation or collaboration with vaccine manufacturing is technology transfer and local ‘fill and finish’ of vaccines, adding that there are so many opportunities to collaborate with universities regarding vaccine manufacturing. She noted that the skill set required can only be addressed through effective and innovative collaboration between academia and industry.

The role of R&D in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised, especially in increasing local production of pharmaceuticals, reducing import dependence, creating jobs, improving healthcare outcomes, reducing disease burden, better access to medicines, improving targeted therapy, and treatment options,’ she said.

Because Nigeria is developing R&D clusters and creating an integrated innovation ecosystem, she said it’s time to supercharge its academic research community and the livelihoods of millions, hence national development.

Prof Adeyeye stated that Nigeria has the potential, stressing that ‘We have the partnerships and the regulatory framework behind to back all this up. By focusing our efforts and leveraging collaboration, we can unlock Nigeria’s R&D capabilities.’

She maintained that the pilot programme is the critical first step, as she urged academia to join hands with industry and NAFDAC to build a future where pharmaceutical innovation thrives in Nigeria, for Nigeria. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

 

 

By Biola Lawal
Lagos (FLOWERBUDNEWS): In a sting operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has again busted an illegal wine factory in Lagos whose operators specialised in adulterating popular wine brands.

One of the operators of the illegal outfit who was identified as Madu Abuchi Simon, was arrested by NAFDAC operatives when the facility was raided.

NAFDAC has uncovered an operation involved in the sale of adulterated and expired alcoholic beverages in Lagos.

”One Mr. Madu Abuchi Simon was caught in the act of falsifying popular alcoholic brands including Hennessy, William Lawson, Baileys, Martell, St. Remy, and Jameson,” a NAFDAC statement disclosed.

On sighting the NAFDAC enforcement operatives, the suspect attempted to flee, but was apprehended.

A mop-up of items in the premises revealed expired Amarula cream liquor, empty branded bottles and cartons, stickers, stoves, buckets, cotton wool, and a purple-coloured chemical suspected to be used for cleaning and reusing bottles, NAFDAC stated.

Over 100 cartons of assorted adulterated alcoholic beverages, valued at more than ₦114 million, were confiscated and evacuated.

The outlet has been sealed pending further investigation, NAFDAC stated.

Commenting on the successful operation, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye counseled the public to buy alcoholic products only from reputable vendors .

Prof. Adeyeye also urged Nigerians to always report any suspicious activity to the nearest NAFDAC office, assuring : ”the Agency remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring consumer safety.(NAFDAC)

 

 

– NAFDAC Young  Pharmacists Reserve Volunteer Programme Partnering PSN-YPG, is designed to Boost Practical experience for Young Pharmacists Nationwide

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled a Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Programme for acquisition of more practical experience by such pharmacists nationwide.

The volunteer programme is established by NAFDAC in partnership with the PSN-YPG.

FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that the unique initiative was conceived and designed following
courtesy visit of the PSN-YPG to the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye  earlier this year.

Announcing the commencement of the volunteer programme,  Prof. Adeyeye said that through the programme, the volunteers will actively participate in various NAFDAC activities, including enforcement operations, public sensitization campaigns,”

The Volunteers would also be involved in NAFDAC Pharmacovigilance activities, surveys, community outreaches, NYSC orientation programs, and other ad-hoc assignments, the BAGDAC.

Prof. Adeyeye said in a statement on NAFDAC’s Official X Handle, that the Programme would
provide paid volunteer opportunities and hands-on experience for Young Pharmacists across the 36 states of Nigeria.

FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that already, NAFDAC has opened online link for the Volunteer recruitment since Monday, 28th April, and will close on Thursday, 30th May, 2025.

Prof. Adeyeye encouraged all Young Pharmacists interested in volunteering to fill the registration form via:   forms.office.com/r/qXzZfLkaKA?o…

The NAFDAC Boss disclosed that the official unveiling and launch of the NAFDAC Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program will take place on 17th June, 2025 in Lagos State.

FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that the event will be officiated by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and will hold via a hybrid (Physical and virtual) format for all volunteers. FLOWERBUDNEWS

 

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  Operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have arrested the distributor of a faked medicine, named WONDER CALCIUM by Health and Hygiene and falsely labelled as made by Asad Pharmaceutical Ltd

NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed in a public alert that the arrest of the Asaba-based counterfeiter followed NAFDAC investigation into a complaint from Asad Pharmaceutical Ltd, a company which reported the sale of the fake WONDER CALCIUM.

Prof. Adeyeye said; ”ollowing an investigation, a distributor of the counterfeit product was apprehended and is currently in the custody of NAFDAC in Asaba, Delta State, to provide valuable information regarding the product’s manufacture.”

The NAFDAC Boss wrote further:
”’NAFDAC is informing healthcare providers and the public about a report of the sale of a falsified product- Wonder Calcium with fake NAFDAC Registration Number 04-1029.

NAFDAC received a complaint from Asad Pharmaceutical Ltd, reporting on the sale of a falsified product (Wonder Calcium). The producer of the falsified product falsely claims on the product packet that the product is manufactured by Asad Pharmaceutical Ltd, on their behalf

The falsified product is reported to have been produced, distributed, and sold by Health and Hygiene, located at Atiku Abubakar Plaza, International Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos State.

The implicated manufacturer, Asad Pharmaceutical Ltd, has denied or disclaimed any involvement with Health and Hygiene, confirming that the product (Wonder Calcium) is falsified.

Risk Statement:  Prof. Adeyeye said that the
illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a risk to people’s health, it does not guarantee the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products due to non-compliance with regulatory provisions.

Product details:
The details of the counterfeit products are as follows:

Product Name: Wonder Calcium;  Producer:
Health and Hygiene, located at Atiku Abubakar Plaza, International Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos State.

Stated Manufacturer:  Asad Pharmaceutical Ltd

Faked Stated NAFDAC Registration Number
04-1029

Prof. Adeyeye directed all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any falsified products found within their zones and states.

”Distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of falsified products,” She stated, counselling; ”all medical products must be purchased from authorized or licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.”

She urged Healthcare professionals and consumers  to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

‘:Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application available for download on android and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, ” She advised.

Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS). FLOWERBUDNEWS