The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have signed a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and speed up the resolution of consumer complaints.

The agreement was signed between the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, and the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, during a ceremony attended by stakeholders.

The MoU is aimed at ensuring effective collaboration between both institutions in protecting consumers and improving regulatory oversight across affected sectors.

Under the agreement, both agencies will notify each other of investigations relating to complaints or issues involving the safety and quality of food, drugs, chemicals, medical devices, packaged water, cosmetics, and detergents.

The notification is expected to be made no later than 10 working days before the commencement of such investigations.

The agencies also agreed to coordinate investigations where practicable in order to maximise efficiency, optimise resources, and avoid duplication of efforts.

The MoU, however, clarified that the arrangement does not prevent either agency from conducting independent investigations in line with its statutory mandate.

In cases where disputes arise between both institutions, the agreement provides that such issues will be resolved through consultations between the chief executives of the agencies, with their decisions binding on all parties involved.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tunji Bello stated that harmful products in the market represent both a public health issue and a consumer protection concern, making collaboration between the agencies necessary.

“Given this overlap, a formal Memorandum of Understanding provides a practical basis for cooperation. The MoU being executed today establishes a clearer and more workable framework for collaboration between the two institutions,” he said.

Bello added that consumers would benefit from easier complaint channels, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are violated.

He also advised businesses to maintain compliance, noting that coordinated regulation would make enforcement more predictable and transparent.

On her part, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said consumer protection standards in Nigeria should align with international best practices.

She described the MoU as important for safeguarding consumers, adding that complaints raised by consumers would now receive quicker attention.

Adeyeye also noted that several grey areas identified in the previous agreement signed in 2022 had been clarified in the new version.

The collaboration follows recent joint enforcement actions by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and the National Orientation Agency against the sale and distribution of sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages below approved volume limits.

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Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director General, said this growing trend is harming both consumers and honest producers. He spoke through Mrs. Talutu Athan at a workshop held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

He explained that poor-quality products damage the country’s economy and put lives at risk. He urged both importers and local manufacturers to stop selling inferior goods. Dr. Okeke also stressed that following proper standards is the only way to build strong businesses that last.

He told the audience that standards are not made to make life hard for producers. Instead, they help products compete better, both locally and internationally. He said the goal of the workshop was to teach business owners how standardisation can help them grow.

He warned that one person selling fake goods hurts everyone in the market, including those doing honest work. He asked for support from the public and business owners, saying SON cannot tackle the problem alone. He reminded the audience that SON has toll-free lines where people can report substandard products.

Mr. Emeka Orajaka from NAFDAC also attended. He said his agency is fully committed to helping SON clear out fake goods from markets across Nigeria. He urged producers to certify their products before putting them on the shelves.

A guest speaker, Mr. Lawal Ayanda, highlighted the importance of using Nigerian-made goods. He said locally made electrical cables are some of the best, noting their fire-resistant quality and clear SON labels.

Mrs. Maryrose Ugwueche, who leads SON in Ebonyi, thanked all stakeholders for their support. Officers from the police, immigration service, and road safety corps also joined the event.

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Prof. Adeyeye called on authorities for protection as NAFDAC personnel face dangerous conditions while performing regulatory duties.

She strongly advocated the death penalty for those involved in producing and distributing counterfeit drugs across Nigeria.

NAFDAC Seizes Fake Drugs Worth Over N1 Trillion in Major Crackdown

During a State House briefing in Abuja, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed the seizure of illicit drugs valued at over N1 trillion.

The agency confiscated 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products in its largest operation to date.

Seized items included USAID- and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs, condoms, and other compromised medical supplies.

The operation targeted Nigeria’s largest open drug markets: Ariaria and Eziukwu (Aba), Bridge Head (Onitsha), and Idumota (Lagos).

Prof. Adeyeye noted that further assessments might reveal the total value of seized goods could exceed N1 trillion.

NAFDAC Staff Face Kidnapping Attempts and Threats

Prof. Adeyeye recounted several harrowing experiences, including a kidnapping attempt involving a staff member’s child.

“Six months ago, a staff member’s child was kidnapped in Kano because he was simply doing his job.”

She also revealed her life had drastically changed due to persistent security threats requiring 24/7 police protection.

“I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. This isn’t how I lived before, but I have no choice.”

Continuing Akunyili’s Legacy in the Fight Against Fake Drugs

Prof. Adeyeye’s experiences echo those of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, who faced assassination attempts during her NAFDAC tenure.

Prof. Akunyili’s fight against counterfeit drugs followed her sister’s death from fake insulin, sparking nationwide reforms.

Prof. Adeyeye remains committed to the mission, stressing the need for harsher punishments to deter counterfeit drug crimes.

NAFDAC Pushes for Stronger Laws and Public Safety

Prof. Adeyeye urged the government to impose the death penalty for individuals distributing life-threatening counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

NAFDAC continues intensifying nationwide enforcement to protect public health and rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s drug market.

The post NAFDAC DG Raises Alarm Over Threats to Life and Safety appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The traders—Peter Okala, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, Prof. Samuel Anidike, and C.C. Emereonwu—filed the suit at the Federal High Court, Awka, seeking an order restraining further shop break-ins without court warrants. They also seek N100 million in damages, including N50 million for exemplary and general damages.

The applicants, represented by Chibuike Nwabueze, argue that not all traders engage in counterfeit drug sales, disputing NAFDAC’s claims.

Before the lawsuit, the traders condemned NAFDAC’s “sudden invasion” of the market, calling it “barbaric” and a rights infringement. They allege losses exceeding N200 million from the market’s 10-day closure and claim that NAFDAC seized goods valued at N500 billion during the raid.

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down eight rice shops and a warehouse in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State while extending its enforcement operation to Wuse and Garki markets in Abuja.

The agency seized over 1,600 bags of counterfeit rice, valued at approximately N5 billion, during the operation aimed at protecting public health ahead of the festive season.

NAFDAC officials discovered counterfeit rice repackaged in branded bags mimicking popular names such as Big Bull, Royal Stallion, and Tomato Aposo. Empty branded rice bags were also recovered from the Karu warehouse, which raised further alarm about consumer deception.

The operation was launched following intelligence reports from the public and brand owners, leading to directives from NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

“Only safe, quality, and wholesome food products should be available to Nigerians during the yuletide,” stated Prof. Adeyeye. She emphasized the need to crack down on those counterfeiting trusted brands.

During the enforcement, NAFDAC uncovered a residential warehouse where counterfeit rice was being repackaged at night. Finished products were then moved to other warehouses by day to avoid suspicion.

Packaging materials and counterfeit goods were confiscated, and additional warehouses engaging in similar activities were raided.

Director of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, urged consumers to purchase goods only from reputable stores.

“Always check for NAFDAC registration numbers, along with the manufacturing and expiry dates, before making a purchase,” he advised.

NAFDAC’s operation underscores its commitment to ensuring food safety and tackling counterfeit products during the festive season and beyond.

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