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By Doris Obinna
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled a group of solution providers to support the implementation of Phase II of its pharmaceutical product traceability strategy, marking a major step forward in the agency’s effort to enhance supply chain integrity across Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
Speaking during the unveiling in Lagos, the Director-General of the Agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the development as a significant milestone in the nation’s public health journey. She said the pilot, which focuses on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCH&N) products, will serve as a foundation for a nationwide traceability rollout.
Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC has been running a public sector traceability pilot since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and is now expanding to the private sector. “We are scaling it up from the narcotic products now to MNCH products. Today represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to safeguarding public health.”
She emphasised that traceability is not merely a regulatory obligation, but a public health necessity, especially in the face of the growing threat posed by substandard and falsified (SF) medical products. She noted that vulnerable populations, including women and children, are particularly at risk from these unsafe products.
Highlighting the agency’s progress, Adeyeye recalled the gazetting of NAFDAC’s Pharmaceutical Products Traceability Regulations in October 2024, describing it as a clear signal of the agency’s dedication to deploying modern technology for greater transparency and accountability in the health sector.
“NAFDAC is the leading agency in Africa in the use of GS1 technology to make the supply chain visible. It’s something we should be proud of. Turkey started before us, but we are catching up.”
She described Phase II as a collaborative 12-month pilot that will require strong engagement from all stakeholders. “Discussions are ongoing with manufacturers to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.”
Adeyeye expressed appreciation to the Marketing Authorization Holders (MAHs) for their foresight and commitment, describing their role as crucial to laying the groundwork for future expansion to other product categories.
She also commended the selected solution providers; SPROXIL, Chekkit, Afrihealth, Newsoft MSP, PharmaSecure, Adsofun, and mPedigree, stating that their technical skills and focus on interoperability are vital to proving that traceability can be successfully implemented within Nigeria and beyond.
Calling for urgency and a shared sense of purpose, she urged all parties involved; regulatory, technical, and industry stakeholders to ensure timely product identification and data sharing using GS1 standards, system integration, and active feedback.
Earlier in his welcome address, Special Assistant to the DG and Head of NAFDAC’s Traceability Office, Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun, recalled that Phase I of the strategy was launched on January 18, 2024. It focused on tracking narcotic products through the supply chain.
Fajemirokun emphasised the need for visibility in the pharmaceutical supply chain to ensure product integrity, timely delivery, and compliance with regulations. He added that greater visibility aids in managing disruptions, improving quality control, and reducing costs linked to storage and transportation challenges, all while enhancing patient safety.
He warned of the dangers of SF medical products including fake medicines, vaccines, and devices, which can be harmful or even fatal. According to him, traceability helps track products from manufacturer to patient, allowing swift identification and removal of compromised products from the market.
With GS1 serving as the technical partner, the solution providers now join forces with NAFDAC and the private sector in what the DG described as a “launching pad for a lasting transformation in our supply chain integrity.”
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