Nigeria’s health shield: NEPZA, NAFDAC unite against fake drugs

In a significant move to safeguard public health and bolster integrity of Nigeria’s export sector, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have renewed their commitment to a robust partnership.

This collaboration aims to intensify joint
oversight of pharmaceutical and consumable products originating from the nation’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs).

The decision was solidified during a crucial meeting in Abuja between Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director- General of NAFDAC, and Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Managing Director/CEO
of NEPZA.

Prof Adeyeye emphasized the critical need for strengthened cooperation to combat the influx of counterfeit and substandard products into Nigerian markets from various sources.

“We must view this meeting as a responsibility we have to the country to protect citizens from fake drugs and consumables that are infiltrating our markets from known and unknown destinations, stated Prof Adeyeye.

She underscored NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to conducting rigorous tests and ensuring strict compliance with designated standard specifications for
regulated products across all relevant industries.
Highlighting the pivotal role of FTZs in Nigeria’s industrialization and economic growth, Professor Adeyeye stressed the importance of streamlining, monitoring the efficacy of pharmaceuticals and the safety of food products exported from these zones into the customs territory.

NEPZA and NAFDAC can fix this misalignment by jointly insisting on compliance. “We can close this gap through excellent facility management and improved inspection across the production lines”, she added.

Dr. Ogunyemi, on behalf of NEPZA, expressed his enthusiasm for NAFDAC’s proactive approach in addressing alleged anomalies within the supply chain of medical supplies and consumables from FTZs.
Acknowledging the challenges in regulating the 63 zones and over
900 enterprises under NEPZA’s purview, he affirmed the Authority’s dedication to allowing NAFDAC to execute regulatory functions, recognizing that the public’s health depends on it.

“We fully endorse this partnership and collaboration, which has the potential to enhance the scheme’s global compliance across all production, export activities for the benefit of the country, Dr. Ogunyemi concluded.

The meeting culminated in the establishment of an eight-member
technical committee, tasked with thoroughly examining the impediments to the seamless application of regulatory functions within the free trade zones, paving the way for a healthier and safer Nigeria.