The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NAFDAC

  • ‘Why NAFDAC, SON, others we must remain at ports,

    ‘Why NAFDAC, SON, others we must remain at ports,

    Some regulatory agencies at the Ports have given reasons why they should remain at their duty posts. They said as a result of their critical functions in preventing life-threatening imports, it would not be in the best interest of the country to be asked to leave the ports with other not-so critical agencies.

    The affected bodies include the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON),Directorate of Naval Intelligence, Nigerian Plant Quarantine Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

    Defending the re-admittance of NAFDAC at the Ports, its Port Head of Operations, Mrs. Maureen Ebigbeyi, said on the sideline at a workshop on ‘Maritime Reforms, that although NAFDAC was asked to leave the ports at the height of  the reforms in an effort to make the seaports efficient, cheaper and more user friendly, the country paid heavily for it.

    She said the action opened the country to wanton importation of harmful goods and substances. She said NAFDAC has a mandate to ensure: that no regulated product is allowed into the country except it is certified to be safe. But today we see false declarations almost on a daily basis of items by importers which are not good for the nation. It can be left to the imagination the danger the citizenry would have being exposed to if that policy of excluding NAFDAC from the ports was continued.

    “We see false declaration daily. Recently we intercepted 13 containers of drugs with wrong dosage and strength in Port Harcourt that was wrongly declared as clothing material. The nation was saved because of the vigilance and intelligence of our agency. If that huge number of unwholesome drug was allowed into the country who knows who may have been endangered by the dishonest actions of a few business men”.

    The NAFDAC chief explained that before the touted Port Reforms can make sense and be acceptable, the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) must be proactive and shun all forms of malfeasance at inspection to the barest minimum. She suggested that only critical agencies should be involved in cargo clearance, unlike what is obtainable now where non critical agencies clog the clearance process discouraging the need to do thorough inspection.

    Earlier, Maritime Lawyer, and former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba  questioned the rationale  behind the multiplicity of agencies at the ports and their competences at curtailing crime.

  • Why we must remain at ports, by NAFDAC, SON, others

    Why we must remain at ports, by NAFDAC, SON, others

    Some regulatory agencies at the ports have adduced reasons why they should remain at their duty posts.

    They said as a result of their critical functions in preventing life-threatening imports from other countries, it would not be in the best interest of the nation to be asked to leave the ports for other not so critical agencies.

    In the height of port reforms by the previous administration, 28 agencies were banned, leaving only six agencies to man the ports and ease the port clearance process.

    Affected in the shake-up were Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Directorate of Naval Intelligence, Nigerian Plant Quarantine Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

    Defending the re-admittance of NAFDAC at the ports, its Port Head of Operations, Mrs.  Maureen Ebigbeyi, on a sideline at a workshop on “Maritime Reforms”, said though NAFDAC was asked to leave the ports at the height of the reforms in an effort to make the seaports efficient, cheaper and more user-friendly, the country paid heavily for it.

    She said the ill thought-out action opened the country to importation of harmful goods and substances.

    Mrs. Ebigbeyi, said: “That no regulated product is allowed into the country, except it is certified to be safe. But today, we see false declaration almost on a daily basis by importers, which are not good for the nation. It can be left to the imagination the danger the citizenry would have been exposed to if that policy of excluding NAFDAC from the ports were continued.

    “We see false declaration daily. Recently, we intercepted 13 containers of drugs with wrong dosage and strength in Port Harcourt that was wrongly declared as clothing material.

    “The nation was saved because of the vigilance and intelligence of our agency, if that huge number of unwholesome drug was allowed into the country, who knows who may have been endangered by the dishonest actions of a few businessmen?”

    The NAFDAC chief explained that before the touted port reforms could make sense and be acceptable, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) must be proactive and shun  malfeasance at inspection.

     

  • NAFDAC workers begin warning strike

    NAFDAC workers begin warning strike

    THE crisis threatening National Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) took a twist yesterday as workers declared a two-week warning strike.

    The placard-carrying workers, who stormed the agency’s headquarters on Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, disrupted activities.

    Some placards read: “President Buhari, give us Director General in NAFDAC” and “Impunity in NAFDAC must stop”.

    Chairman of the Federal Area Council of the Federal Ministry of Health Workers Union, Lagos, Comrade Attah Ibrahim, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene.

    “NAFDAC is bleeding and bleeding seriously. And if nothing is done to address the suffering of workers, the consequences will be disastrous for the country,” Ibrahim said.

    He listed workers’ plight as discrepancy in payment with workers of Federal Ministry of Health, non-promotion of workers since 2012, in addition to the absence of a NAFDAC board, and appointment of a substantive director general to replace Mrs. Yetunde Oni, who is acting.

    “We expect these complaints to be addressed within two weeks of this warning strike, failing which we will embark on indefinite strike,” Ibrahim added.

    Chairman, Lagos NAFDAC Workers Union Comrade Peter Anzaku said the role of NAFDAC in sanitising the nation’s health made it expedient on the Federal Government to intervene.

    “We have written several memos in vain to government since 2012 because of our quest for industrial harmony,  hence this unavoidable strike,” Anzaku said.

  • NAFDAC workers begin warning strike

    The lingering management/staff crisis that has threatened the peace of National Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) took another dimension on Wednesday as members of the institution’s union declared a two-week warning strike over what they called management’s deaf ear to their plight.

    The placard-carrying unionists who stormed the NAFDAC Headquarters on at Afprint Area of the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, brought activity to a halt as motorists and passers-by on the road got interested in the solidarity of the activists.
    Among the placards read inscriptions like “President Buhari, give us Director General in NAFDAC”, “Impunity in NAFDAC must stop”.

    Chairman of the Federal Area Council of the Federal Ministry of Health Workers Union, Lagos, Comrade Attah Ibrahim, who spoke at the occasion, said the plight endured by NAFDAC workers across the country had posed serious danger to the health of the nation while calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene without delay.

    “NAFDAC is bleeding and bleeding seriously and if nothing is done to adequately address the suffering being encountered by the workers, the consequences will be disastrous for the country,” Ibrahim said.

    He listed the workers’ plight to include discrepancy in allowances with workers of Federal Ministry of Health which he maintained was grossly against the rules establishing NAFDAC in 1994, non-promotion of staff whose status had been due for uplifting since 2012, in addition to the absence of a NAFDAC board and appointment of a substantive Director General to replace the incumbent Mrs. Yetunde Oni who has operated on acting capacity.

    “We expect all these complaints to be addressed within the next weeks of this warning strike, failure which we will be forced to embark on indefinite strike,” Ibrahim added.

    Chairman of Lagos Branch of the NAFDAC Workers Union, Comrade Peter Anzaku, also said the role of NAFDAC in sanitising the nation’s health had made it expedient on the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing crisis.

    “We have written several memos to government on this regard since 2012 because of our quest for industrial harmony but no to avail, hence this unavoidable strike,” Anzaku said.

  • NAFDAC solicits support of traditional rulers on fight against fake drugs

    NAFDAC solicits support of traditional rulers on fight against fake drugs

    The Acting Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Mrs. Yetunde Oluremi Oni, has pleaded with traditional rulers in the country to assist the agency to win the battle against the menace of fake drugs in the country.

    Speaking at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in Ile-Ife during the conferment of the monarch as NAFDAC ambassador, the NAFDAC boss urged the traditional rulers to help the agency by prohibiting fake and counterfeit drugs, unwholesome processed foods and other substandard regulated products in their respective domains.

    The Acting DG of NAFDAC paid a visit to the palace of Ooni along with the management team of the agency and the coordinators of NAFDAC in Oyo,

    Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti and addressed over 50 traditional rulers in Osun State who converged for their monthly meeting.

    According to her, “we are here to solicit your support in our fight against fake and counterfeit drugs and other regulated products.

    NAFDAC is aware that the fight against counterfeit medicines is by no means an easy task and based on mounting evidence, we alone cannot address the growing nature and scope of the problem and the growing expertise and sophistication of those that produce and market them”.

    “Fake and counterfeit medicines have “No border” and have escalated.

    Effective collaboration and cooperation is essential to build effective strategies. In view of this we have come to you as a Royal Father of the people, for partnership to put in place proper coordination mechanism to involve all parties that have a role to play to combat them”.

    The acting DG had earlier visited the State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola to also solicit for support of the state government for NAFDAC to be able to operate effectively.

    She explained that her advocacy visit to Osun became necessary as part of strategies to fine-tune a robust synergy between the agency and

    Osun State government.

    Oni noted that the obligation of NAFDAC to prevent the proliferation of counterfeit medical products and unwholesome processed foods,

    including other substandard regulated products remained statutory.

    Oni promised that she would ensure sustainable efforts to curtail the menace of fake drugs.

    Governor Aregbesola who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Titilayo Laoye Tomori commended NAFDAC for the conscious efforts by the agency

    to ensure the safety of the citizenry.

  • Dangote condemns rumors of GMO rice importation

    Dangote condemns rumors of GMO rice importation

    Dangote Group has vehemently condemned the malicious broadcast alleging a partnership between the company and the Federal Government for the importation and sales of genetically modified organism (GMO) rice.

    The said GMOs refer to a food item or an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some ways through genetic engineering. In most cases, GMOs have been altered with DNA from another organism, be it a bacterium, plant, virus or animal.

    According to the group in statement made available to pressmen on Tuesday, “it is absolutely false! Dangote is not involved in the production or sales of GMOs and its research in Nigeria or anywhere.

    “However, what people should know is the ground breaking progress Dangote Rice has made since 2014 when it stopped importation of rice and began local cultivation,” the statement read in part.

    Putting the records straight, the company stated the following:

    • 2014: Dangote signed $1billion agreement with FG or integrated rice production in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara
    • 2016: Started a multibillion naira Rice Outgrower Scheme over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa State
    • 2016: Created over 10,000 jobs (Direct and indirect) to farmers who are an integral part of the Rice Outgrower Scheme

    FARO 44 rice seeds distributed to farmers during the Outgrower Scheme was sourced from Africa Rice and certified by the National Agricultural Seeds Council.

    “The intent of this broadcast is to bring into disrepute the hard earned reputation of Dangote and the actualization of its vision of making Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production.

    “Moreover, with the ever watchful eagle eyes of organizations such as NAFDAC, SON, CPC with mandate to ensure food safety, how can a big organisation like Dangote import and flood the market with poisonous rice,” the group noted.

  • NAFDAC, others laud La Casera’s production standards

    NAFDAC, others laud La Casera’s production standards

    The La Casera Company Plc has been lauded for maintaining high quality standard and full compliance with the manufacturing regulations in the production of its beverages.

    Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Mrs. Yetunde Oni, who was represented by the Special Assistant, Mr. William Effiok, after a tour of the La Casera production facility, expressed delight at the level of compliance and strict adherence to modern food and beverage production guidelines.

    She emphasised the firm’s ultra-modern production line which operated under hygienic conditions and worked under minimal human interference, with a state-of-the-art automation process.

    “What we have witnessed today reaffirms La Casera’s commitment to producing a premium Carbonated Soft Drink (CSD) with a product quality which satisfies all quality and safety requirements required for beverages.

    “Food handling and contact, which happens to be a major entry point for contaminants in food processing and production, has also been grossly eliminated in La Casera’ production process, thereby making it safe, nutritious, and fit for human consumption,” she said.

    The DG, therefore, urged consumers to disregard misleading reports as the product has been duly certified.

    Director, Product Certification, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Bayo Adigun said: “We appreciate the management team of the company for hosting us and would say this kind of partnership is aimed at supporting companies in ensuring that they maintain standard.”

    Acting Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, appreciated the company for its doggedness even in times when several companies are closing shop. He extolled the company for its huge financial investment in the food and beverage sector and encouraged them not to relent.

    Managing Director Mr. Roland Ebelt, who expressed the company’s delight at the visit, noted that it would afford the company the opportunity to showcase its upgraded world class production lines. Ebelt was happy that NAFDAC, MAN and SON executives visited the plant to witness the high premium it places on producing innovative products and maintaining high quality.

  • NAFDAC alerts on fake alcohol

    The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians on the prevalence of fake alcoholic drinks, especially dry gin in the nation’s markets.

    The NAFDAC Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos on Tuesday that the agency had continued to advise consumers of alcoholic beverages to be alert and be very wary of fake and unregistered drinks.

    “Drinking alcohol is bad enough and people are always advised to take it in moderation. So, the danger associated with taking a fake drink can only be imagined,” he said.

    Jimoh said the agency had taken its campaign against fake drinks to Plateau, Gombe, Benue, Bauchi and many other states in north and had engaged traditional and religious leaders to lead the efforts.

    He particularly decried the rampant consumption of drinks like Ogogoro (dry gin) and “goskolo” by youths, and urged stakeholders to join in the fight “ since the youths are the group most affected.

    “We have found that the youths rely on such drinks to gather enough courage to commit all manners of atrocities like armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, killing and the rest.

    “We have, therefore, continued to intensify our campaigns and that has resulted into some states coming up with bylaws that banned some alcoholic beverages.

    “We have also raided production and drinking points of some of these dangerous drinks, especially in Edo and Delta States, because the drinks have damaged many livers, kidneys and other vital organs of the body.

    “They have also led to the gradual decline in the health status of many youths and totally destroyed their capacity to contribute to societal development,” he said.

     

  • NAFDAC, SON, others hail La Casera for keeping standards

    NAFDAC, SON, others hail La Casera for keeping standards

    NAFDAC, SON, others hail La Casera for keeping standards

    The National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commended the La Casera Company Plc for maintaining a high quality standard in the production of Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD) in Nigeria.

    Similarly, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) praised the beverage company for its full compliance with regulations regarding food and beverage manufacturing processes in the country.

    In his keynote speech, the Managing Director of the La Casera Company, Mr. Roland Ebelt, expressed the company’s delight at the factory inspection and noted that the visit would afford the company the opportunity to showcase its upgraded world class production lines.

    Ebelt said he was pleased that NAFDAC, MAN and SON executives visited the plant to witness the high premium it places on producing innovative products, maintaining high quality products and its high security measures put in place to protect members of staff.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the NAFDAC,  Mrs. Yetunde Oni expressed great delight at the level of compliance and strict adherence to modern food and beverage production guidelines.

    Mrs Oni, who was represented by the Special Assistant, Mr William Effiok, after the tour of La Casera production facility at Mile 2 in Lagos, also laid great emphasis on the firm’s ultra-modern production line which though covering a large expanse, and having several units such as the bottle blowing section, filling, capping and packaging units, operated under very hygienic conditions, and worked under minimal human interference, with a state-of-the-art automation process which can be compared to those operated in other developed nations around the world.

    “What we have witnessed today reaffirms La Casera’s commitment to producing a premium Carbonated Soft Drink (CSD) with a product quality which satisfies all quality and safety requirement required for any beverage. Food handling and contact which happens to be a major entry point for contaminants in food processing and production, has also been grossly eliminated in La Casera’ production process, thereby making it safe, nutritious, and fit for human consumption.”

    The DG therefore urged teeming consumers to disregard misleading information in any form especially those emanating from Social media, as the product has the NAFDAC seal for quality, which implies it has been subject to thorough product check and analysis, and has been duly certified.

    Also responding after the facility tour, the Director, Product Certification, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Bayo Adigun said: “We appreciate the management team of The La Casera Company for hosting us on this visit and would like to state that this kind of partnership between regulators and manufacturers are aimed at supporting companies in making sure that they maintain their standard. We are partners and we would seek ways to protect the brand of respected companies like The La Casera Company,” he stated.

    The Acting DG, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who was also present at the tour, appreciated the management of the La Casera Company for its doggedness even during times such as this when several companies are closing shop due to several economic reasons and in the face of limiting factors to business growth.

    He also extolled the company on its visibly huge financial investment in the food and beverage sector, and therefore encouraged them not to relent in its effort.

  • NAFDAC cautions youths against illicit drugs

    NAFDAC cautions youths against illicit drugs

    The National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned youths against use of illicit drugs because of its adverse effects in the society.

    NAFDAC’s Kwara State Coordinator Mrs Roseline Ajayi gave the warning in Ilorin while fielding questions from reporters yesterday.

    She expressed concern about the rate at which youths over dose on drugs, which she describe as a challenge facing the agency due to the harmful effect on health.

    According to her, the agency is scaling up enlightenment campaign in schools, markets and other public places, and with youth corps members in various languages on the need  to be aware of drug abuse.

    She highlighted logistics as one of the problems NAFDAC faces in meeting some of its responsibilities.

    Ajayi said as a regulatory body for drugs and foods, it also monitor the products of manufacturers until it gets to the end consumer or user and ascertain that marketers do not stock expired drugs or other products.

    The coordinator, who is a deputy director, said it always collaborated with the state and other security agencies in the war against drug abuse, but noted the difficulties due to inadequate logistics.

    She said another major problem the agency faces in the state was bread bakers who, she claimed, bake their products in hygienic premises.

    Ajayi refuted claims by some bread bakers in the state that the agency was making life difficult for them.

    The coordinator explained that they were only asked to bake on a stainless tray, keep a clean environment and get the right premises for proper hygiene as well as pay their yearly dues.