NAFDAC warns stakeholders to follow regulations

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned stakeholders to comply with its regulatory provisions or face legal consequences.

The warning was issued by the South East Zonal Director, Dr Festus Ukadike, at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation programme on Thursday in Owerri.

Our correspondent reports that the programme involved groups including the Nigeria Agro Input Dealers Association, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, and the National Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers.

Other participants included the Association of Supermarket Owners, Master Bakers, Table Water Producers, and Quick Service Restaurants, among others.

Ukadike emphasised NAFDAC’s commitment to public health, stating, “NAFDAC has the mandate to ensure that all regulated products meet standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. Our shared responsibility is to protect public health.”

He urged participants to comply with hygiene and manufacturing practices, ensure valid registration licenses, and align their processes, personnel, and equipment with NAFDAC guidelines.

He also highlighted the importance of proper storage, distribution practices, and adherence to scientific standards, cautioning against claims that a single drug could cure multiple ailments.

“Report anyone refusing to comply with NAFDAC regulations. Even suppliers of simple items like chin chin or fried plantains must have NAFDAC registration numbers.

“Any packaged product for public use must be registered,” Ukadike said.

He expressed confidence that the sensitisation programme would improve compliance, while also warning that the agency would intensify enforcement against unsafe or unregistered products.

Earlier, NAFDAC State Coordinator, Mrs Helen Okanya, said the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration with sectoral groups in tackling substandard medical products, ensuring good storage, and maintaining hygienic practices.

She added that the programme would facilitate registration of regulated products, information sharing, and enhanced monitoring of the supply chain.

Reacting, a pharmacist, Dr Okey Unogu commended NAFDAC for creating a platform to address challenges facing various stakeholder groups.