NAFDAC warns against violation of breast milk substitutes’ international code

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned that any individual, health facility, or vendor caught violating the international code on breast milk substitutes (BMS) will be prosecuted under relevant Nigerian laws.

The warning was issued by NAFDAC’s Bauchi State Coordinator, Hamis Yahya, during a press briefing at the Federal Secretariat as part of activities marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.

According to him, NAFDAC is among the agencies responsible for promoting healthy living among Nigerians, particularly pregnant women and children under five.

He said, “NAFDAC is an agency, just as the name connotes – the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. It is charged with the responsibility of advocacy and monitoring of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. In Nigeria, NAFDAC is a signatory to the treaty for the monitoring of this international code.”

Yahya explained that one of the provisions of the code is to ensure exclusive breastfeeding for children between the ages of 0 and 6 months, while discouraging the use of breast milk substitutes unless medically necessary or prescribed by a healthcare professional.

He added, “The agency is responsible for advocating and monitoring compliance with this code. Part of that is to ensure that babies between 0 and 6 months are exclusively breastfed with pure breast milk for the first six months, after which complementary feeding begins. We are out to ensure that every baby receives breast milk.”

Speaking on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, he noted that the first milk – colostrum – provides immunity and protects infants from many common childhood diseases.

“Yes, there are many advantages. The first breast milk, called colostrum, contains all the essential nutrients and immune properties needed to protect the baby from illness. It significantly reduces the chances of the baby falling sick or being exposed to common diseases during the early months,” he said.

He continued, “It supports healthy growth, brain development, and a strong immune system. The bond between mother and baby is strengthened, and contamination is avoided since the milk comes directly from the mother, provided personal hygiene is maintained.”

Yahya stressed that breast milk, particularly colostrum, contains all the essential nutrients needed for growth and development during the first six months of life.

He further explained that exclusive breastfeeding also benefits the mother by promoting recovery after childbirth.

“Breastfeeding stimulates hormones that help stop post-delivery bleeding through vasoconstriction. If baby-friendly methods are adopted—where the baby is allowed to breastfeed immediately after birth—it helps the mother regain strength faster and encourages continuous breastfeeding,” he said.

He added, “In cases where the mother experiences complications or is unconscious after birth, the medical professional may decide to recommend formula as a substitute. But apart from such situations, formula is unnecessary.”

Yahya also emphasized the economic benefits of breastfeeding, noting that breast milk substitutes are more expensive and not needed if the mother eats and nourishes herself properly.

“There are many diseases associated with handling breast milk substitutes that can be avoided through natural breastfeeding. These are some of the key benefits of breastfeeding from birth to six months,” he said.

He advocated for continued breastfeeding up to two years, along with complementary feeding, stating that it also serves as a natural form of contraception and helps mothers recover better post-delivery.

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“Breastfeeding helps with child spacing and enables the mother to maintain her body and overall health. It is nature’s way of supporting both mother and child,” he said.

On the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week theme, he explained that a Technical Committee exists in every state comprising key stakeholders.

He said, “NAFDAC is going around advocating to all target facilities—hospitals, healthcare providers, orphanages, pharmacies, and supermarkets. We ensure that workplaces provide separate spaces where mothers can continue breastfeeding even while at work.”

Yahya warned that any healthcare facility, personnel, or individual caught violating the code will face legal consequences.

“Since we are signatories to the code, we will implement its provisions fully. Any person or facility found going against the code will face the appropriate penalties,” he said.

He also advocated for state-of-the-art private spaces to support breastfeeding mothers, noting that NAFDAC works closely with state governments, NGOs, and stakeholders.

“We are partners with organisations like the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Save the Children, and the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency’s nutrition unit. We’re pushing to institutionalise breastfeeding support across all sectors,” he said.

He added that part of the Technical Committee’s role is to promote advocacy and sensitisation.

“This gives facilities access to vital information and helps assess the level of compliance with the code. We intend to engage public and private stakeholders to ensure full implementation,” he said.

Yahya warned that manufacturers and distributors of breast milk substitutes often lure mothers and health workers with incentives.

“These companies offer gifts like diapers or branded items to pregnant women during antenatal visits or healthcare workers, including doctors. This is to influence them to promote formula instead of breastfeeding,” he said.

He concluded, “That’s why we are taking this seriously. Advocacy and monitoring are already in place, and the regulation has now been gazetted. Offenders will soon face enforcement. We are currently focused on advocacy, but enforcement will follow.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE