The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced its 2025 strategic plan aimed at addressing staffing challenges, reducing maternal and child mortality, and bolstering public health through strengthened regulatory systems.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, unveiled the plan during a press briefing in Lagos, emphasizing the need for increased staff capacity to meet global regulatory standards.
“Given our population, we should have no fewer than 10,000 staff, but currently, we only have about 2,000,” Adeyeye said. While awaiting statutory approval for more staff, the agency plans to engage volunteers and prioritize staff remuneration and skill development in the coming year.
A significant focus for 2025 will be addressing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). Adeyeye highlighted the agency’s commitment to regulating critical maternal health products, such as oxytocin, tranexamic acid, and carbetocin, to combat postpartum hemorrhage and maternal mortality. Pediatric medicines, including anti-malarials and antibiotics, will also be prioritized to ensure safety and efficacy.
To further enhance MNCH outcomes, NAFDAC plans to incentivize manufacturers to produce quality pediatric products, monitor the quality of MNCH products nationwide, and intensify the regulation of therapeutic foods for malnourished children.
The agency also aims to address operational shortfalls by completing ten state offices and laboratories, including specialized facilities for vaccines, biologics, and medical devices. Solar energy solutions will be adopted to power select facilities and reduce costs.
Training and capacity building will remain central to NAFDAC’s strategy. Plans include regulatory inspection training, pharmacovigilance, and clinical trials, alongside real-time training apps and monthly seminars to align staff skills with international standards.
A critical component of the 2025 plan is combating substandard and falsified medicines. Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to using GS1 traceability technology and strengthening collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Customs Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
NAFDAC will also focus on the regulation of herbal medicines, conducting clinical trials and toxicity tests for products targeting conditions such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and hypertension. Adeyeye called for government and private sector funding to support these trials.
In food regulation, the agency plans to train officers in ISO 22000 for food safety and hygiene practices, enhance oversight of globally listed food products, and increase public awareness of safe consumption.
“Our mission is to protect the health of the nation through effective regulation,” Adeyeye stated. “This strategic plan represents our roadmap for achieving that goal in 2025 and beyond.”
