Tinubu lauds NAFDAC for sustaining ML3 status for regulation of medicines, vaccines

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on retaining the World Health Organisation’s Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status on the regulation of medicines and vaccines, stating ‘this achievement results from investment by the Government of Nigeria in strengthening the regulatory system’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on retaining the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status on the regulation of medicines and vaccines.

WHO had conducted a re-benchmarking exercise from May 28 to May 30, 2025, assessing NAFDAC against globally recognised standards for regulatory performance.

NAFDAC attained ML3 status in 2022, becoming Africa’s first National Regulatory Authority to achieve this milestone in regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing). In consonance with the global health regulatory body’s policy, periodic reviews are conducted to ensure sustained compliance.

The latest evaluation followed a formal re-benchmarking in November 2024 and five Institutional Development Plan (IDP) review meetings between February and April 2025 to assess progress on corrective actions.

ConsumerConnect reports the World Health Organisation June 30, 2025, affirmed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has achieved and maintained Maturity Level 3 for the regulation of medicines and imported vaccines, following the successful closure of all critical recommendations.

NAFDAC is the first NRA in Africa to maintain the ML3 status, and the latest feat marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and the country’s health sector regulatory agency.

It is also recalled that NAFDAC got the Maturity Level 3 in 2022, and it is WHO policy to ensure the ML3 is maintained, thus the rebenchmarking November 2024.

As NAFDAC safeguards public health

Mr, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement Monday, August 11, 2025, also noted President Tinubu welcomed the WHO verdict.

President Tinubu stated: “NAFDAC has successfully maintained a regulatory system that operates as a stable, well-functioning, and integrated framework for regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing).

“This achievement results from investment by the Government of Nigeria in strengthening the regulatory system.”

The government noted the President commended the Management and Staff NAFDAC for their professionalism, consistency, and dedication to safeguarding public health.

noting that this achievement strengthens Nigeria’s standing as a reliable partner in global health security and pandemic preparedness.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines and vaccines in line with international best practices.

Onanuga said the Nigerian leader emphasised that this milestone complements his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the country’s healthcare system.

The statement further noted Tinubu acknowledged the progress in the administration’s initiatives to upgrade over 17,000 primary health centres nationwide, improve maternal care and diagnostics in underserved communities, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double national health insurance coverage within three years.

He equally underlined the fact that promoting local production of healthcare products remains a priority.

President Tinubu, therefore, pledged Nigeria’s commitment to collaborations with credible partners, development agencies, and donor organisations to promote the pharmaceutical sector, attract investment in health-related industries, and expand local manufacturing capacity.

Tinubu added that his administration would continue to support NAFDAC in its journey towards achieving WHO’s Maturity Level 4, the highest global standard of regulatory excellence.