National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating counterfeit and substandard medicines from Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Mrs Christiana Obiazikwor, Deputy Director of Public Relations at the agency.
The statement followed a strategic meeting held in Lagos with executives of the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association.
Mr Martins Iluyomade, Director of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate and Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products, said NAFDAC remained resolute in its mission to sanitise drug distribution channels nationwide.
He emphasised that all medicine dealers must be registered in the agency’s national database to ensure traceability and accountability in pharmaceutical transactions.
“There is a dire need to sanitise the drug market nationwide, and the current administration is determined to do that. NAFDAC is not out to punish anyone. We do not have another country, and we must do the right thing for the good of all,” Iluyomade said.
He warned that any dealer operating outside the agency’s regulatory framework would be barred from selling or distributing medicines. He added that shop owners who tampered with NAFDAC seals or reopened sealed premises would face strict enforcement actions.
Iluyomade reiterated that the regulation of medicines is non-negotiable and falls under the Exclusive Legislative List due to its critical impact on public health.
“There is no serious country in the world that does not regulate the use of medicines,” he added.
To ensure compliance, he announced a two-week deadline for medicine dealers in major commercial hubs, Idumota (Lagos), Onitsha, and Aba, to regularise their operations and be fully captured in NAFDAC’s database.
He also urged recognised trade associations and other stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in removing counterfeit and substandard medicines from the open market.
(NAN)