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Tag: NAFDAC

  • NAFDAC warns against  use of Dove beauty cream bar soap

    NAFDAC warns against  use of Dove beauty cream bar soap

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] has ordered the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to the presence of a chemical impurity

    According to NAFDAC, the product contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as Lilial, a chemical associated with serious health risks, including reproductive harm and potential harm to unborn children.

    “The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risks of reproductive harm, danger to unborn children, and potential for causing skin sensitization,” NAFDAC said in a statement.

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    The agency warned that several regulatory authorities in the EU have already banned the marketing of products containing BMHCA, and urged the public to be cautious and vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the products.

     Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash and invisible dry.

    The agency said the soaps are not on its database.

  • Protesters storm Delta NAFDAC office over Prophet Fufeyin

    Protesters storm Delta NAFDAC office over Prophet Fufeyin

    Some aggrieved Christians have stormed the office of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Asaba, Delta Capital, to protest the alleged media trial of the Founder, Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin.

    The protesters, under torrential rain, denounced what they described as the “confrontational and intimidating” action of Nafdac against Prophet Fufeyin.

    The protesters, who danced at the entrance of the agency, lifted placards with inscriptions such as “Spiritual products do not need NAFDAC approval”; “NAFDAC should leave Prophet Fufeyin alone” and “Media Trial of Prophet Fufeyin Must Stop” among others.

    However, a contingent of stern-looking armed policemen was stationed at the agency’s entrance to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

    Rector, Union Theological Institute and Seminary, Most Reverend Bishop Callixtus Oke, who spoke with reporters, condemned the actions of NAFDAC.

    Oke was accompanied by seven bishops including Most Reverend Professor Samuel Baba, Metropolitan Archbishop, Charismatic Anglican Church of Nigeria

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    He said Prophet Fufeyin was being stigmatised while on his pastoral assignment, stressing that the agency which is a creation of the law is acting beyond its boundaries.

    He called for a halt to the media trial of Prophet Fufeyin by the agency, adding that Nafdac has exceeded its bounds by sealing the water manufacturing facility of the church.

    His words: “We are speaking forth of the harassment targeted at Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin. He cannot be stigmatized while on his pastoral assignment.Nafdac which is a creation of the law is acting beyond its boundaries. I am thinking that Prophet Fufeyin is being targeted.What we are seeing is that Nafdac is singling out Fufeyin for victimisation”.

    He said NAFDAC lacks the power to regulate spiritual items, stressing Jesus Christ permitted the use of water, salt, oil and candles.

    According to him, members of a religious faith may purchase sacramentals which he said was authorised by Jesus Christ.

  • How ‘fake miracle water-producing church’ is resisting investigation, by NAFDAC boss

    How ‘fake miracle water-producing church’ is resisting investigation, by NAFDAC boss

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to faith-based organizations regarding the illegal production of regulated products that fail to meet regulatory standards.

    The agency also cautioned the public to steer clear of so-called ‘miracle products.’

    The advisory followed the discovery that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, a church located in Delta State along KM 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, has been involved in producing ‘miracle water’ and has been resisting NAFDAC’s efforts to investigate.

    The church is accused of selling this miracle water with a counterfeit NAFDAC registration.

    However, NAFDAC Director General (DG), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, on Sunday, September 8, revealed that following numerous public inquiries regarding the authenticity of the product, allegedly bearing a NAFDAC certification, the agency launched an investigation that has faced resistance.

    Emphasizing that as a science-based organization, adding that NAFDAC would not compromise its responsibility to safeguard public health for spiritual claims, the DG said after being inundated with inquiries by the public to ascertain the authenticity of the product given its NAFDAC certification, the agency was forced to commence an investigation that has met resistance so far.

    Adeyeye, in a statement, detailed the events and multiple attempts made by the church to evade investigation, saying, “NAFDAC wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC’s name to deceive unsuspecting public.

    “Recently, NAFDAC has been inundated with petitions from concerned citizens about Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State on a Miracle Water and Miracle Soap being advertised with healing and miracle claims and sold to unsuspecting members of the public by the Spiritual Ministry.

    “The Minister showcased the use of Miracle Water and Miracle Soap on social media to heal barrenness.

    “He claimed that the women would carry twins if they used the soap. He openly told his congregation that the Soap is NAFDAC registered. Thus, the public began to visit the office to confirm the claims.

    “The petitioners also submitted the following products from the Spiritual Ministry to NAFDAC to verify the bogus claims.

    “The products include Miracle & Healing Water; River Jordan Water; The Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida; A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water; Water of Life; Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L); A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water; and Father Smelled Perfume.

    “Upon receipt of the petitions, NAFDAC, through the Director Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) NAFDAC, contacted the Delta State Coordinator to ascertain the existence or records of any transaction with the Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries and the products in Delta State Office.

    “The coordinator was also directed to visit the Ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the Ministry where the Miracle water and other products are produced.

    “The State Coordinator covertly bought the Miracle Water (25cl) for 3000 naira from the Ministries and took the pictures.

    “On Wednesday 14th August 2024, the State Coordinator Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service (HOS) – Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer (CSO).

    “The officials denied producing Miracle and Healing Water or Soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase. He claimed that only the Logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product.

    “The HOS added that they only have a pool of Bethsaida water which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO.

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    “On 27th August 2024, a team of Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC and Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods visited the Ministry, to commence investigation on the place of purchase or the manufacturing site for possible sample collection, for laboratory analysis, but the officials did not cooperate with the team.

    “Letters of invitation were issued to the officials to report on 28th August, but it was not honoured. The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on 28th August 2024 and asked to come back on the 3rd September 2024 to organize their document before coming. The Agency then gave the Prophet till the 29th to report at the investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation.

    “Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of the investigation, but they still refused to show up. On 3rd September 2024, they forwarded some documents instead asking for more time to report.

    “In a document, made available to the NAFDAC Office on the evening of 3rd September, the faith organization claimed to have entered into a production contract agreement with Globod Table Water Km 4, DSC Expressway, Otokutu, Delta State without the knowledge of NAFDAC State Office in Delta State. This act is illegal according to the extant rules and regulations on commercial production.

    “In continuation of our investigation, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed Globod Table Water factory for aiding and abetting the production, sale, and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number.

    “At this point, it is very clear that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5, is not ready to present itself for investigation of production and advertisement of suspected falsified, unwholesome, and unregistered “Miracle” products.

    “NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC.

    “The public is also being advised to stop patronizing any of these Miracle products. NAFDAC is a scientific organization that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product.

    “In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organization with regard to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them.

    “I want to use this opportunity to warn either faith organizations against illegal production of regulated products without requisite regulatory requirements.

    “I want to assure Nigerians of our resolve to continue safeguarding the health of the citizens”.

  • NAFDAC signs MoU with National Counter Terrorism Centre

    NAFDAC signs MoU with National Counter Terrorism Centre

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Counter Terrorism Centre to tackle counterfeit drugs.

    The signing of the MoU is contained in a statement issued by the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    NAN reports that the National Counter Terrorism Centre is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    Adeyeye said that the move was part of the National Action Plan to prevent the distribution of medicines used for terrorism, banditry and violent extremism in the country.

    According to the NAFDAC boss, the MoU signed between the two agencies is significant in reducing deaths among youths.

    Adeyeye said the MoU would ensure that potential hazardous chemical threats that could have adverse effects on lives were adequately managed.

    She also said that the MoU would ensure that the use of hazardous chemicals for malicious intent by non-state actors for the development of weapons of mass destruction was prevented.

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    The NAFDAC boss thanked the office of the National Security Adviser for always identifying with the agency.

    She assured the National Counter Terrorism Centre of a more strengthened partnership.

    The statement also quoted the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu-Garba Laka, as saying that the MoU represents a commitment to shared goals, mutual support and effective cooperation.

    According to him, the MoU signifies dedication to leveraging on both agencies’ respective expertise, resources and capabilities to strengthen response to terrorism.

    Laka said that the MoU was also to prevent radicalisation and protection of society from the devastating impact of violent extremism.

    He added that the partnership with NAFDAC would enhance information sharing, cooperation on intelligence as well as capacity building and joint operations.

    “By combining our efforts and forging a united front against terrorism, we are better equipped to confront this multifaceted challenge and uphold the safety and security of our country,” he said.

  • NAFDAC shuts illegal sachet water factory in Lagos

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut an illegal sachet water factory in Apapa, Lagos State, following a raid by its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

    The operation, which took place at No. 89 Marine Road, Oluwole Market Waterside, uncovered a large-scale production of counterfeit and adulterated sachet water.

    According to NAFDAC, the factory was operating in a filthy environment near a contaminated canal, raising serious health concerns.

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    The address on the counterfeit sachet water brands did not match the factory’s actual location, further exposing the deceptive nature of the operation.

    During the raid, officials confiscated over 2,500 bags of sachet water that were ready for distribution. The remaining stock was destroyed on-site, and the factory sealed off. All production equipment was dismantled and removed from the premises.

    NAFDAC estimated the seized water to be over  N1 million.The agency urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

  • DG hails retiring workers for NAFDAC’s global feats

    DG hails retiring workers for NAFDAC’s global feats

    The director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has emphasised the importance of honouring retiring workers for their years of dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians.

    She highlighted that the retirees’ contributions have not only upheld but also elevated NAFDAC’s standards, playing a vital role in the nation’s health security.

    Reeling out the milestones achieved by the nation with the contributions of the retiring workers, Adeyeye cited NAFDAC’s attainment of Maturity Level 3 for medicine and the World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-Qualification of the Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) in Yaba as significant achievements in the agency’s mission to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines available to the public.

    In a statement by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the DG lauded the workers, including the retirees, for their meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and unwavering commitment to excellence, which led to this success.

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    Describing the moment as bittersweet at the 2023 NAFDAC Awards, Recognition, and Retirement Ceremony, held in Lagos on Wednesday, she noted that the ceremony was also an opportunity to reflect on NAFDAC’s achievements over the past year, many of which resulted from the collective effort and dedication of the workforce, including the retirees.

    She said: “Today, we gather to bid a fond farewell to those who have dedicated their careers to the service of NAFDAC and the nation 

    “These retirees are celebrated as the backbone of the agency, having shaped its culture, mentored the next generation, and left an indelible mark on its operations.

    “Their service was marked by diligence and perseverance. Many of them spent countless nights working on reports, engaging in rigorous field operations, and making complex decisions—all of which contributed to saving lives and building trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    “Their efforts had touched millions of lives in ways that may never be fully quantified”.

    She commended the retirees for their resilience and the spirit of service that drove them throughout their careers, saying, “Retirement is not an end but a new beginning”.

    She assured them that their contributions would continue to resonate within NAFDAC and beyond, celebrated for a lifetime.

    The DG also acknowledged the retirees’ role in setting the standard for excellence within the agency, pushing boundaries, and achieving new benchmarks in regulatory science and public health protection.

    Adeyeye, however, urged all NAFDAC staff to take inspiration from the retirees and their achievements while emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges, particularly in light of the recent Executive Order aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    Reminding the workers, the DG encouraged them to take pride in their work and the NAFDAC family, saying, “The true measure of our success lies in the lives we impact every day,” she

    She urged the workers to embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and uphold NAFDAC’s core mission to protect and promote public health while assuring the retirees that their legacy would continue to shape the agency’s future efforts and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

    “Together, we are not just regulating; we are transforming lives, strengthening our nation’s health security, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth,” she said.

    Rametu Momodu, chairperson of the Awards Organizing Committee and Coordinating Director of the Food/Animal Feed Product Inspectorate, in her remarks, urge

  • NAFDAC denies claims of warning against Nigerian bread

    NAFDAC denies claims of warning against Nigerian bread

    The director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has refuted claims that she advised Nigerians to avoid bread baked and sold in the country due to the presence of saccharine, a banned sweetener.

    She said NAFDAC never issued any statement suggesting that Nigerian bread is unsafe for consumption.

    The denial came in response to a viral video by a social media influencer who claimed that NAFDAC had advised Nigerians to avoid locally baked bread because samples had failed laboratory tests due to the presence of saccharine.

    The influencer also alleged that Nigerian bakers have turned to saccharine as a substitute for sugar, which has become prohibitively expensive due to inflation.

    In a statement on Tuesday, August 27, Adeyeye confirmed that saccharine is indeed banned in bread production in Nigeria, in line with global health guidelines due to its potential health risks to consumers.

    She emphasized that NAFDAC, as a vigilant regulator, has been actively sanctioning bakers who violate this regulation while emphasizing that the social media influencer does not represent or speak on behalf of NAFDAC.

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    She said: The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a video circulating on social media titled: Bread sold in markets failing laboratory tests, NAFDAC raises fresh alarm.

    “The reporter stated that NAFDAC had raised a concern that “most of the bread in the market are failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine to bake bread more than they are using sugar due to the high cost of sugar. The reporter went on to tell Nigerians to avoid bread in Nigeria.

    “As a responsive regulatory Agency, NAFDAC wishes to provide clarification that the content of the video on avoiding bread in Nigeria does not reflect the observation of NAFDAC which was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held on 16th August 2024 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    “At no time during that engagement with stakeholders did NAFDAC suggest that Nigerians should avoid bread baked and sold in Nigeria.

    “The Agency is a responsible regulator and does not make general statements capable of causing panic and fear in the population.

    “Any baker found to be using unapproved food additives, in this case, saccharine, is appropriately sanctioned in line with the extant regulatory provisions.

    “The Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) does not permit the use of saccharine in bread.

    “This is the same for the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), an authoritative reference point for food additives, which also does not permit the use of saccharine in bread.

    “Like other food additives, sweeteners usually undergo thorough risk assessments for safety by an expert body, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) before approval for use.

    “NAFDAC dissociates herself from the comment of the reporter in the circulating video about avoiding bread in Nigeria. This is the personal statement of the reporter who does not speak for the Agency.

    “NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the Agency remains fully alive to her responsibilities of safeguarding the health of the public.”

  • NAFDAC, other stakeholders tackle rejection of Nigeria’s food products abroad

    NAFDAC, other stakeholders tackle rejection of Nigeria’s food products abroad

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN) and other stakeholders in food export trade have agreed to collaborate to ensure that the rejection of processed and semi-processed cocoa products and other food exports become a thing of the past.

    This was disclosed at the NAFDAC Export Stakeholder’s Interactive Session with COPAN, Network of Practicing Non-oil Exporters of Nigeria (NPNEN), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) on the draft NAFDAC export regulations 2024 in Lagos.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye allayed the trepidations initially expressed by the cocoa stakeholders in the draft Cocoa Regulations that the agency posted on its website for comments.

    The consultative gathering described as an unusual meeting by the DG, was aimed at creating a platform to discuss critical issues of trade facilitation and how both the agency and stakeholders in the export value chain can forge a common front, and speak with one voice for the mutual good of the country.

    She noted that regulations are legal instruments for the control and elucidation of standards for the compliance of all stakeholders in the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of regulated products, adding that regulations derive from the enabling enactments and stipulate red lines and penalties against infringement.

    Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC which is now a WHO ML3 Regulatory Agency has, under her leadership, updated and gazetted 21 new regulations covering many areas of the Agency’s regulatory activities, stressing that export regulations is just one of the several regulations that are in the process of being gazetted into law.

    “As you are all aware, often, our regulated products which are packaged, and most of the time, exported without NAFDAC certification failed at the entry borders and reports have accumulated to put Nigeria at a disadvantage in international commerce,” she said.

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    She lamented that a few stakeholders’ products are already on the red list of some importing nations.

    Adeyeye pointed out that this has been the outcome of years of poor oversight and lack of regulatory supervision of the quality and safety components of regulated products produced, packaged, and presented for export, adding that these enabling laws have placed the responsibility of regulation and control of the quality and safety of these products on NAFDAC.

    She added that NAFDAC has continued to pursue regulatory interventions at both local and international levels to ensure that the nation is not totally and completely banned from exporting any kind of food product in international commerce.

    She recalled that during a similar Export Stakeholder Engagement at the Digital Bridge Institute, Lagos in May 2024, the Industry and the Regulators, including sister government agencies agreed to join hands to push the frontiers of regulated product export to the next level in the interest of all stakeholders and the nation at large.

    The DG, however, emphasized that these regulatory interventions are critical for the survival of Nigeria’s trade across international borders where trade laws and compliance are viewed with serious evaluation.

    ”Today’s engagement is therefore meant to put these concerns in perspective, to bridge the knowledge gap and allay all fears to foster the necessary collaboration required to move our regulated product exports to the desired rating in international trade.”

    She disclosed that handholding will start with cocoa producers based on the presumption that some of them are already registered with the agency while those that are not registered will equally be accommodated, adding that “we will look at those on our records and categorize them into low, medium and high risk which requires random visitations for those that have been complying with the regulatory requirements.

    The Director General of NACCIMA, Dr Olusola Obajimu expressed joy that the proposed regulation is not necessarily a revenue generation drive, but achieving global standards to ensure that Nigeria realizes its export potential.

    He pledged the support of the stakeholders to ensure that the nation improves its foreign exchange revenue drive through non-oil export trade in collaboration with NAFDAC.

  • NAFDAC mops up fake Milo drink in Bauchi market

    NAFDAC mops up fake Milo drink in Bauchi market

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Bauchi State office  has begun  a three-day exercise in markets in Bauchi State to Bauchi markets to mop up fake Milo chocolate drink in circulation.

    Dr Paul Kamai made this known on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  in Bauchi.

    ”The NAFDAC office began the inspections in markets and superstores to get rid of the fake Milo in circulation following a directive from the Headquarters.

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    “This exercise will last for three days starting Tuesday,” he said.

    The state director also said that the agency has scheduled a date within the week to engage the leadership of the association of Agro chemical dealers on  the dangers of chemicals on foods.

    ” In Bauchi, we will engage the dealers of Agro chemicals against the use of Dictholoruvis and Paraquat chemicals to store food as we approach harvest period.

    “These are dangerous chemicals that have been banned over time,” he added.

    Kamai called the attention of Bakers and packaged water producers to renew their  licences within the stipulated two years timeline.

    He said failure to renew the operational licences, could result in penalties that might affect business operations.

    Kamai called on small and medium enterprises to register their products with NAFDAC to assimilate their products into Nigerian markets.

    (NAN)

  • NAFDAC will not back down on processed, semi-processed food export regulations – DG vows

    NAFDAC will not back down on processed, semi-processed food export regulations – DG vows

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians involved in the export of processed or semi-processed foods not to expect any compromise on the regulations governing the industry.

    The director general, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, affirmed the determination of the agency to remain steadfast in enforcing these regulations, which serve as legal frameworks to ensure compliance across all sectors, including the manufacturing, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of regulated products.

    She emphasized that NAFDAC’s firm stance is necessary in light of the rejection of certain Nigerian food exports, as well as concerns raised by cocoa stakeholders regarding the NAFDAC Export Regulation 2024 posted on the agency’s website for public comment.

    She said the regulations are rooted in the agency’s enabling laws and clearly define the boundaries of acceptable practices, including penalties for any violations, adding that the measures are vital for maintaining Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade, where compliance with trade laws is rigorously scrutinized, especially since some Nigerian products are already on the red list of certain importing countries.

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    In a statement on Sunday by the Agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the DG, during a consultative meeting with the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN) and other stakeholders in the food export sector, allayed the fears initially expressed by the cocoa stakeholders over the draft regulations.

    She said making the draft document available to the public was aimed at making the issue interactive and inclusive, as it was not a finality.

    Others at the interactive session on the draft regulations held in Lagos included the Network of Practicing Non-oil Exporters of Nigeria (NPNEN), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), among others.

    She pointed out that the objective of the meeting was to create a platform to discuss critical issues of trade facilitation and how both the Agency and stakeholders in the export value chain can forge a common front, and speak with one voice for the mutual good of the country.

    She emphasized that the Agency has not acted outside its mandates as export regulations is just one of the several regulations that are in the process of being gazetted into law, while noting that NAFDAC, which is now a World Health Organization (WHO) ML3 Regulatory Agency has updated and gazetted 21 regulations covering many areas of its regulatory activities.

    She said the proper step to take is for food exporters to register their products with NAFDAC to avoid running foul of the law.

    Lamenting that a few stakeholders’ products are already on the red list of some importing nations, she said, ‘’As you are all aware, often, our regulated products which are packaged, and for most of the time, exported without NAFDAC certification failed at the entry borders and reports have accumulated to put Nigeria at a disadvantage in international commerce.’’ 

    She regretted that this has been the outcome of years of poor oversight and lack of regulatory supervision of the quality and safety components of regulated products produced, packaged and presented for export, adding that the enabling laws have placed the responsibility of regulation and control of the quality and safety of these products on NAFDAC. 

    According to her, NAFDAC has continued to pursue regulatory interventions at both local and international levels to ensure that the nation is not totally and completely banned from exporting any kind of food product in international commerce.

    She recalled that during a similar export stakeholder engagement at the Digital Bridge Institute, Lagos in May 2024, the Industry and the regulators, including sister Government agencies agreed to join hands to push the frontiers of regulated product export to the next level in the interest of all stakeholders and the nation at large.

    ‘’Today’s engagement is therefore meant to put these concerns in perspective, to bridge the knowledge gap and allay all fears to foster the necessary collaboration required to move our regulated product exports to the desired rating in international trade,” she stated.

    She further explained that regulation of exports is not a revenue generation opportunity for NAFDAC, stating that the Agency’s regulatory role is to facilitate unimpeded trade between the exporters and the importing countries to eliminate food export rejection in the EU countries and the U.S. by adhering to international standards.

    She assured participants that if a product for export is already registered with NAFDAC, the Agency has less work to do, while the companies on its database would require fewer visitations. 

    “The most important thing is to have confidence in your product. For us what’s most important is that your product is not rejected in the importing country,” she added.

    She disclosed that Handholding will start with cocoa producers based on the presumption that some of them are already registered with the agency while those that are not registered will equally be accommodated.

    Olusola Obajimu, the DG of NACCIMA, and Yusuf Isiaka, the Managing Director of Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, a representative of COPAN expressed satisfaction with NAFDAC’s regulatory approach, noting that it aligns with the goals to achieve global standards in food exports. 

    They pledged the support of the stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria improves its foreign exchange earnings through increased non-oil exports.