The Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mojisola Adeyeye, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight of pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetic products manufactured within Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Olufemi Ogunyemi, in Abuja, Adeyeye stressed the need for stronger collaboration between both agencies to safeguard public health and prevent the circulation of fake drugs and substandard consumables in the country.
She explained that the visit was aimed at deepening cooperation to enable NAFDAC effectively regulate the importation, exportation, production, and distribution of regulated products within the free trade zones. According to her, the agency remains committed to ensuring strict compliance with approved standards through proper testing, inspections, and monitoring of production processes.
Adeyeye also highlighted the importance of the FTZ scheme to Nigeria’s industrial growth but noted that stronger oversight was necessary to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals and food products entering the Nigerian market from the zones. She added that enhanced inspections, improved facility management, and strict compliance measures would help close existing regulatory gaps.
Responding, Ogunyemi welcomed NAFDAC’s initiative and pledged NEPZA’s support in addressing irregularities associated with medical supplies and consumable products from the zones. He acknowledged the challenges of regulating over 900 enterprises operating across 63 free trade zones and emphasized the need for joint action to curb illicit activities and protect public health.
Both agencies concluded the meeting by inaugurating an eight-member technical committee tasked with identifying and resolving challenges affecting the smooth implementation of regulatory responsibilities within the free trade zones.
