AllDiet Food blog

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been at the forefront of safeguarding public health in Nigeria. Established in 1993, NAFDAC plays a critical role in regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, and chemicals.

The legacy of leaders such as Dora Akunyili, who served as the Director-General (DG) from 2001 to 2008, is undeniable. Her remarkable efforts led to the reduction of counterfeit drugs from 80% to 17%, earning NAFDAC global recognition. Yet, the efforts of her successors have also contributed significantly to the agency’s mission, and their contributions deserve acknowledgment.

NAFDAC DGs Post-Dora Akunyili

After the tenure of Dora Akunyili, subsequent DGs have faced the challenge of maintaining the momentum she established while addressing new and evolving threats in public health. Despite significant hurdles, their efforts have brought about positive developments:

Dr. Paul Orhii (2009–2016)
Dr. Paul Orhii brought a scientific and technological approach to NAFDAC’s operations. Under his leadership, the agency made strides in combatting counterfeit drugs through the adoption of innovative solutions such as:

• Mobile Authentication Service (MAS): Consumers could verify the authenticity of drugs by sending the product’s code via SMS. This simple yet effective measure significantly reduced the circulation of counterfeit medicines.
• Partnerships with Pharmaceutical Companies: Dr. Orhii fostered collaborations with local and international pharmaceutical companies to improve drug quality and safety.
• Automation of Processes: Efforts were made to digitize NAFDAC’s registration and documentation processes, reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency.

Despite facing allegations of corruption, Dr. Orhii’s tenure marked an era of technological advancements that enhanced NAFDAC’s capabilities in addressing public health challenges.

Mrs. Yetunde Oni (Acting DG, 2016–2017)
Mrs. Yetunde Oni took over in an acting capacity and focused on administrative reforms. During her tenure, she prioritized:

• Staff Welfare: Ensuring better working conditions for NAFDAC employees.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Reviving public health education programs to enlighten Nigerians about the dangers of counterfeit products.
• Improved Regulatory Frameworks: She worked to streamline the agency’s operations and laid the groundwork for further reforms.

Prof. Moji Adeyeye (2017–Present)
Prof. Moji Adeyeye brought a strong academic and pharmaceutical background to NAFDAC. Her leadership has been transformative in several ways:

• Regaining WHO Prequalification Status: In 2019, under her leadership, Nigeria regained the WHO prequalification status for its vaccine laboratories. This achievement bolstered Nigeria’s ability to produce vaccines locally and ensure quality control.
• Strengthening Regulatory Oversight: Prof. Adeyeye oversaw the tightening of regulations for imported drugs and foods, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Capacity Building: She introduced extensive training programs for NAFDAC staff to improve their technical expertise and professionalism.
• Increased Focus on Local Production: Encouraging indigenous pharmaceutical companies to produce high-quality medicines locally to reduce dependency on imports.

Prof. Adeyeye’s tenure has also been marked by her determination to restore public trust in NAFDAC by tackling corruption and improving transparency.

How NAFDAC Stands Out Internationally
NAFDAC’s reputation extends beyond Nigeria, with its achievements gaining recognition on the global stage. It stands out among its peers internationally due to:

• Innovative Technological Solutions: The Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) introduced by NAFDAC has inspired similar initiatives in other developing nations.
• Global Collaborations: Partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have strengthened its capacity to combat counterfeit products.
• Leadership in Africa: NAFDAC serves as a model for regulatory agencies in other African countries, sharing best practices and offering technical support.

Despite challenges, NAFDAC’s ability to adapt to global trends and collaborate internationally has solidified its position as a leader in food and drug regulation in Africa.

Populace Negligence, Understaffing, and Lack of Implementation

Negligence by the Populace
Public attitudes often undermine NAFDAC’s efforts. Many Nigerians fail to verify the authenticity of products they consume or report counterfeit goods. This negligence allows fake and substandard products to thrive in the market, posing severe health risks. Social media reactions and public complaints often reflect frustration with regulatory shortcomings, but collective action is often absent.

Understaffing and Limited Resources
NAFDAC faces significant constraints due to inadequate staffing and limited funding. Regulatory oversight, especially in remote areas, is hampered by a lack of trained personnel and modern equipment. For example:
Insufficient field officers to inspect and monitor products in rural communities.
Outdated technology, which limits the agency’s ability to track counterfeit goods effectively.

Weak Implementation Mechanisms
Policies developed by NAFDAC often fail to achieve their intended goals due to weak enforcement mechanisms. Legal loopholes and inconsistent application of regulations embolden offenders, allowing the circulation of dangerous products. Corruption within and outside the agency exacerbates this issue, eroding public trust.

Possible Reforms
To overcome these challenges, reforms must address not just the policies but their implementation. Key suggestions include:

1. Enhanced Funding: Adequate resources for staff training, technological upgrades, and field operations.

2. Strengthened Enforcement: Closing legal loopholes and implementing strict penalties for offenders.

3. Public Education: Encouraging consumer vigilance and reporting of counterfeit products.

However, true change starts with individuals. As exemplified by the late Dora Akunyili, leadership and personal commitment can spark transformative change. A collective effort by leaders, staff, and the public is essential to restoring faith in NAFDAC and ensuring public health safety.

The contributions of NAFDAC’s post-Dora Akunyili leadership, from technological innovations under Dr. Paul Orhii to the reforms and capacity building under Prof. Moji Adeyeye, demonstrate the agency’s resilience and determination to protect Nigerians. While challenges such as understaffing, negligence, and weak enforcement mechanisms persist, NAFDAC’s potential to restore its legacy remains strong.

With adequate reforms, continuous international collaboration, and collective efforts from the public and leadership, NAFDAC can reclaim its position as a trusted guardian of public health and a global leader in regulatory excellence. The future of public health in Nigeria depends on the sustained efforts of this agency and the commitment of all stakeholders.