NAFDAC

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has assured Nigerians that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour recently recalled in France is neither produced in Nigeria nor sold in the country.

The clarification followed widespread public concern after reports circulated online about the recall of the product by the French authority, Rappel Conso of France, over the presence of undeclared allergens, namely milk and eggs.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency confirmed that the affected product did not originate from Nigeria and is not registered for sale in the Nigerian market. It added that surveillance had been activated nationwide to ensure the product does not find its way into the country.

The statement read, “The management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is aware of the recall of Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour by the French authority (Rappel Conso of France) on account of the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose significant health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances.”

NAFDAC explained that the agency had taken precautionary steps as a regulatory body to prevent any possible entry of the recalled product into Nigeria.

“In light of this development, NAFDAC has undertaken some proactive measures as a responsive regulator by ensuring increased vigilance actions to guard against the possible entry of the recalled product into Nigeria,” the statement added.

The agency disclosed that its officers across the country had received directives to remain alert and seize the product if discovered anywhere within their jurisdictions.

“Surveillance has been directed across all zones and states, and zonal directors and state coordinators have been mandated to mop up the product if found within their jurisdictions,” it stated.

NAFDAC further stressed that the specific Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour involved in the recall is not authorised for sale in Nigeria.

“The public is hereby informed that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour in question is not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for sale in Nigeria,” the agency said.

It also pointed out that noodles remain on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, a factor that limits the possibility of the affected product entering the Nigerian market.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have sealed a landmark partnership, following signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fortify Nigeria’s public health and national security.

This historic agreement aims to intensify collaboration in combating illicit pharmaceutical products and harmful substances. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi hailed the partnership as the culmination of dedicated dialogue and coordination.

“What we have seen today is a culmination of efforts for several months—I must say, years—of regular consultation between the two of us. This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country.” 

NAFDAC Director-General Professor Moji Adeyeye noted that, “It is important because of you and me. We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items.”

She also stressed the importance of ensuring safety and quality in food, drugs, and healthcare products, adding that there are threats posed by unregulated products to national security.

“We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices.” 

By Uzair Adam

The workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have announced plans to initiate an indefinite nationwide strike starting at midnight on October 7, 2024.

This decision follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to NAFDAC’s management after it failed to address concerns raised by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) branch within the agency.

According to a statement signed by Comrade Salih Ahmed Aledeh, Secretary of MHWUN, the strike directive was given by the union’s Federal Area Council leadership.

The workers are protesting NAFDAC management’s lack of response to issues raised during a congress meeting held on September 20, 2024.

The union has instructed all Zonal Coordinators and State Representatives to ensure full compliance with the strike order and to keep providing updates on their efforts.

The industrial action is expected to disrupt NAFDAC’s operations, which could have significant implications for the regulation of food and drugs across the country.

The strike’s duration remains uncertain, depending on how quickly the management addresses the union’s demands.

Tensions between the union and NAFDAC management had been building, especially after two workers’ unions—the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and MHWUN—rejected the 2024 promotional examination results, citing a mass failure.

They raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process, where 65% of staff failed the examination.

This rejection followed earlier discontent over the management’s handling of staff promotions and job vacancies.

The unions issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a review of the 2024 Promotion Examination Results, the appointment of directors to key vacant positions, and reforms to the promotion process, among other demands.

Failure to meet these conditions, they warned, could lead to further unrest.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arraigned three suspects and a company, Giddyson Healthcare Limited, before a federal high court in Kano for manufacturing, distributing, and selling fake children’s medicines.

The suspects, Amao Gideon, Alumona Okwiludili, and Hillary Chigozie, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge.

The medicines in question, which include Asian Ampicillin and Artil-Go, were found to contain zero active ingredients, putting patients at risk of treatment failure and possible death.

NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye noted that the products were not registered and had fake numbers and manufacturer’s addresses on the labels.

The illegal factory, located in Tafa town, Niger state, has been sealed by NAFDAC.

The suspects were arrested following intelligence gathering and a discrete investigation.

The court has fixed June 14 for the bail application and June 20 for the hearing.

This development shows the ongoing efforts of NAFDAC to combat the manufacture and sale of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, and the need for increased vigilance to protect public health.

By Uzair Adam Imam

NAFDAC on Thursday uncovered a network of counterfeit goods being sold in Abuja, culminating in raids at Sahad Stores and H-Medix outlets.

The simultaneous raids across the capital city led to the confiscation of fake cosmetics and drugs.At Sahad Stores, renowned for its supermarket chain, authorities seized counterfeit products.

Meanwhile, at H-Medix outlets in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, as well as the Utako market, counterfeit cosmetics and medications were confiscated.

Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, the NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, highlighted the extensive nature of the operation.

In addition to the raids in Abuja, similar crackdowns were carried out in Kugbo market in Nyanya and the Mararaba area in Nasarawa State earlier in the week.

Godiya expressed shock at the discovery of substandard products masquerading as reputable brands, such as purported NIVEA creams.

These counterfeit items, despite their inferior quality, were being sold at higher prices than genuine NAFDAC-approved products, illustrating the extent of criminal activity in the market.

The seized goods, including fake NIVEA products, cosmetics, and household items like Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room fresheners, amounted to a staggering total value of N50 million.

NAFDAC’s rigorous enforcement efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and combating the proliferation of counterfeit goods.