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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm about the growing dynamism of makers of substandard and falsified products, stressing that they are becoming more sophisticated in their operations.
NAFDAC said the counterfeiters are adopting new innovations to evade the long arm of the law for personal gains, restating the commitment and resilience of its officials to protect and safeguard public health by tracking the activities of the unwholesome product manufacturers, and also making all necessary arrests.
Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye stated this at a two-day sensitisation and awareness workshop on the Agency’s Greenbook, Traceability Project, and Paediatric Policy in the north central zone, with participants from all relevant health care facilities, tertiary institutions, government agencies, among others.
She said, “Over the years, Nigeria like many other low- and middle-income countries has faced a persistent challenge, the menace of substandard and falsified medical products, commonly referred to as counterfeit or fake medicines.
“These products are introduced by unscrupulous actors seeking profit at the expense of public health. This is one of the gravest threats to human life and dignity.
“NAFDAC has consistently deployed multiple strategies to combat substandard and falsified products. But despite these efforts, counterfeiters have become more sophisticated. Therefore, NAFDAC is leveraging modern technologies and innovative approaches to stay ahead.”
She maintained that combating substandard and falsified medical products is a collective responsibility; hence she called on all stakeholders in the healthcare space to support the initiatives. “Together, we can ensure that every medicine in Nigeria is safe, effective, and traceable, thereby safeguarding the health of our people.”
Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s Director, North Central zone, in his presentation highlighted that the workshop was designed to sensitise stakeholders and provide hands-on training on three critical initiatives, notably, the NAFDAC Greenbook, Pharmaceutical Products Traceability Regulations, 2024, and the NAFDAC Paediatric Regulation, 2024.
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Regarding the NAFDAC Greenbook, Azikiwe told the participants that it is an online resource platform for verifying the registration status of medical products, and it is done by entering the product name, brand name, or registration number to confirm authenticity. “It empowers consumers to avoid fake or substandard products.”
On the Pharmaceutical Products Traceability Regulations, 2024, Azikiwe described the document as a legal framework for tracking drugs and related products across the supply chain using unique identifiers.
He stated that Nigeria is the first in Africa and second globally to adopt the innovative technology. “During the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the system enabled rapid identification and recall of defective batches within 24 hours.
“Implementation is phased, starting with public health commodities such as ATM products, narcotic products, and now MNCH commodities. It also helps stakeholders detect and prevent substandard and falsified products from entering the supply chain, among others.”
Regarding the NAFDAC Paediatric Regulation, 2024, Azikiwe told the participants that the document addresses the unique healthcare needs of children by ensuring that paediatric medicines meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council, Comrade Jama Medan, commended NAFDAC for its foresight and commitment to advancing health care delivery, environmental sustainability, and child welfare for Nigerians.
“As nurses and midwives, we are at the heart of health service delivery, and our understanding of traceability, environmental health, and child-focused policies directly impacts the quality of care we provide. The knowledge gained at the workshop will not only strengthen our professional capacity but also promote transparency, accountability, and better health outcomes for the communities we serve.”
He urged all participants to approach the workshop with open minds, to learn, share, and network. “Let us collectively translate the insights from this gathering into meaningful action in our workplaces and communities. Together, we can build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for our children and generations to come.”
