Owerri: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to stakeholders, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to its regulatory provisions to avoid legal repercussions. The announcement was made by Dr. Festus Ukadike, the South East Zonal Director, during a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation programme held in Owerri.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme brought together various groups, including the Nigeria Agro Input Dealers Association, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, and the National Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers. Other attendees included representatives from the Association of Supermarket Owners, Master Bakers, Table Water Producers, and Quick Service Restaurants.
Dr. Ukadike reiterated NAFDAC’s dedication to safeguarding public health, stating that the agency’s mandate is to ensure that all regulated products adhere to standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. He urged the participants to comply with hygiene and manufacturing practices, maintain valid registration licenses, and align their processes, personnel, and equipment with NAFDAC guidelines.
Emphasizing the importance of proper storage and distribution practices, Dr. Ukadike cautioned against the promotion of unverified drug claims. He urged stakeholders to report non-compliance with NAFDAC regulations, highlighting that even suppliers of basic items, such as chin chin or fried plantains, must possess NAFDAC registration numbers. He warned that any packaged product intended for public use must be registered with the agency.
Dr. Ukadike expressed optimism that the sensitisation programme would lead to improved compliance, while also cautioning that NAFDAC would intensify enforcement measures against unsafe or unregistered products.
Earlier in the event, Mrs. Helen Okanya, the NAFDAC State Coordinator, explained that the meeting aimed to bolster collaboration with sectoral groups to combat substandard medical products, ensure proper storage, and uphold hygienic practices. She noted that the programme would aid in the registration of regulated products, facilitate information sharing, and enhance monitoring of the supply chain.
In response, Dr. Okey Unogu, a pharmacist, lauded NAFDAC for providing a platform to address the challenges facing various stakeholder groups.