National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control

NAFDAC emblem

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is a Nigerian federal agency under the Federal Ministry of Health that is responsible for regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. Established in 1993, NAFDAC's main goal is to eliminate the production and sale of counterfeit food and drug products in Nigeria and to ensure that available food and drug products are safe and of good quality.

History

NAFDAC was officially established in 1993, under the country's health and safety law to ensure the health and well-being of the Nigerian populace by eliminating the sale and use of substandard and harmful products. Prior to its establishment, the activities now coordinated by NAFDAC were performed by different government bodies, which led to inefficiency and insufficient regulation of food and drugs in the country.

Functions

The functions of NAFDAC include:

• Regulating and controlling the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals.
• Conducting appropriate tests and ensuring compliance with standard specifications designated and approved by the council for the effective control of the quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals.
• Undertaking appropriate investigations into the production premises and raw materials for food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals, and establishing a relevant quality assurance system, including certification of the production sites and of the regulated products.
• Compiling standard specifications, regulations, and guidelines for the production, importation, exportation, sale, and distribution of food, drug, cosmetic, medical device, bottled water, and chemical products.
• Undertaking the registration of food, drugs, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals.

Challenges

NAFDAC has faced numerous challenges in its fight against counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food products. These include:

• High level of smuggling and illegal importation of fake products into the country.
• Inadequate manpower and resources to cover all entry points and borders.
• Corruption and lack of strict enforcement of laws.
• Resistance from some sections of the populace, especially those involved in the counterfeit drug trade.

Achievements

Despite these challenges, NAFDAC has recorded significant achievements in its operations. These include:

• Significant reduction in the prevalence of counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food products in the Nigerian market.
• Increased public awareness on the dangers of counterfeit products.
• Strengthening of the regulatory framework and enforcement of laws relating to food and drug administration in Nigeria.
• Collaboration with international agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve food and drug safety standards in Nigeria.

Structure

NAFDAC is headed by a Director-General, who is appointed by the President of Nigeria, and operates through various departments and state offices across the country to ensure its regulatory activities are carried out efficiently.

Controversies

NAFDAC has been involved in various controversies, including issues related to the approval of drugs and food products, and allegations of corruption within the agency. However, it continues to strive towards achieving its mandate of safeguarding the health of the nation.