The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed serious concerns over a critical shortage of personnel, which threatens its capacity to meet Nigeria’s regulatory demands.
During a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the agency operates with only 2,000 staff, a figure she described as inadequate for Nigeria’s vast population.
“We burn candles on both ends and overstress ourselves because we have to safeguard the health of Nigerians. We’re not asking for 10,000 staff immediately; we’re asking for double or triple what we currently have,” Adeyeye stated, highlighting the immense strain on the existing workforce.
To guide its operations, NAFDAC has identified five strategic pillars:
- Strong governance and leadership.
- Maternal, newborn, and child health initiatives.
- Institutionalizing best practices.
- Ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products.
- Monitoring the supply chain for safety and efficiency.
Reflecting on her tenure, Adeyeye noted the agency’s achievements while emphasizing the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
“This realisation has sharpened my focus on strategically working towards continued strengthening of the regulatory system as a needed path toward safeguarding the health of the nation,” she said.
NAFDAC aims to prioritize maternal and child health, focusing on the availability of pediatric antimalarials, antibiotics, and postpartum hemorrhage medicines to reduce child morbidity and improve maternal care. Manufacturers will be encouraged to produce pediatric medicines and pursue World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification.
The Director-General also underscored the significance of strong governance and a disciplined workforce, with staff training as a top priority.
Despite its challenges, NAFDAC remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s regulatory needs and ensuring access to high-quality, safe products for the nation’s citizens.
