NAFDAC: A wake-up call

THE National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has, over time, done great things in ensuring that the health of Nigerians is safeguarded.

The agency was a trusted brand, total example of what Nigeria should be. However, the recent outcry by NAFDAC that it did not have the necessary equipment to work with raises serious concerns.

Nigerians expected the continuation of the good work of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who gave everything, financially and morally, to support and defend the then Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Dora Akunyili.

But today, that expectation has become a mirage. Now, fake and substandard drugs are flooding the markets.

Whatever is what doing at all is worth doing well. The agency should be talking to Nigerians: it seems to have gone asleep. Whatever you believe in, keep saying it and working on it.

Failure to intercept fake drugs at our boarders is untenable. The agency cannot explain away its perceived shortcomings on such grounds.

NAFDAC must increase its staff strength if the health of  Nigerians must be safeguarded. It should curb the distribution of fake and substandard drugs in the country.

Second, the government must fund the agency adequately, while engaging private investors and  international bodies to assist it to meet its obligations.

Third, the agency needs sophisticated equipment. Fourth, there should be strict enforcement of legislation on fake drugs. NAFDAC should go after the individuals who produce fake drugs.

Fifth, adequate security should be provided for the agency’s staff, while training on security matters should be taken seriously.

Sixth, government should give financial support to indigenous pharmaceutical companies to produce at least 80 per cent of standard drugs locally.

Lastly, NAFDAC should ensure routine checks on registered companies on a regularly basis. Most of these companies reduce their standard after registration by NAFDAC.