By Bunmi Yekini
In a comprehensive reflection on the agency’s achievements and aspirations, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has outlined its strategic goals for 2025 under the leadership of Director General Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye. The roadmap emphasizes robust governance, institutionalizing best practices, enhancing product safety, and efficient financial management to ensure the health of Nigerians remains
Strengthening the Regulatory System
“Reflection on the past seven years has sharpened my focus on how to strategically strengthen the regulatory system as a path toward safeguarding the nation’s health,” said Prof. Adeyeye. She highlighted plans to boost workforce capacity, enhance staff remuneration, and complete key infrastructure projects, including the Vaccines, Biologics, and Medical Devices Laboratory in Oshodi.
NAFDAC will also incorporate solar energy into selected facilities to reduce operational costs and procure modern tools to support regulatory activities and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Training and Collaboration
Training remains a priority, with a focus on improving staff competence in regulatory inspection, post-marketing surveillance, and customer service. “Training is premium for our staff. Monthly seminars with strategic partners like the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and Nigeria Customs Service will help us build stronger collaborations,” she added.
Focus on Maternal and Child Health
In 2025, NAFDAC is declaring the year as Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health & Nutrition Year, aiming to drastically reduce postpartum hemorrhage and child morbidity. “We are committed to ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of maternal health products and pediatric medicines while incentivizing manufacturers to achieve WHO prequalification,” Prof. Adeyeye emphasized.
Advancing Herbal Medicine and Cosmetics Regulation
The agency plans to support clinical trials for herbal medicines in collaboration with the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency. Cosmetics regulation will also be intensified, with studies comparing local and imported products to encourage domestic manufacturing.
Enhanced Supply Chain Monitoring
NAFDAC will extend its GS1-driven traceability system to maternal health products and high-risk foods. “This ensures the visibility of regulated products across the supply chain, preventing diversion and infiltration of substandard goods,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
Efficient Financial Management
Reflecting on financial successes, she noted, “NAFDAC went from over ₦3.2 billion in inherited debt to solvency within a year. Through continued digitization and prudent financial management, we are building a transparent system that supports our expanding regulatory mandate.”