*Nigeria’s National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control reiterates its determination to end the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in in the country, describing such as ‘unpatriotic activities’ by perpetrators

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In accordance with its zero tolerance for circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down six pharmaceutical manufacturers for non-compliance with approved Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, in a statement by Mr. Sayo Akintola, Resident Media Consultant of the agency disclosed this Monday, December 28, in Abuja, FCT.

The NAFDAC Chief stated NAFDAC’s action in this regard was in accordance with its zero tolerance for circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in the country.

Adeyeye said: “The pharmaceutical companies were shut down following a nationwide surveillance their manufacturing activities.

“These local manufacturers, in spite of appropriate notification failed to meet minimum Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards in line with extant requirements to assure the quality, safety and efficacy of Pharmaceutical products.”

The regulatory agency also expressed dissatisfaction with the affected manufacturers for their failure to meet up with even the minimum GMP, in spite of the notifications issued to them over time.

Reiterating the determination of NAFDAC to end the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria, Adeyeye emphasised that such unpatriotic activities were uncovered following a nationwide surveillance exercise.

The punitive measure meted out to the companies would serve as deterrent to others, both local and foreign, that failed to comply with GMP requirements, said NAFDAC.

According to the Director-General, the defaulting companies would remain closed until they complied with the extant laws and regulations.

Adeyeye also reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health and its continued efforts at ensuring that only medicines that are safe, efficacious and of good quality are accessible to Nigerian consumers of pharmaceutical products and services.