NEPZA, NAFDAC strengthen oversight of pharmaceuticals in free trade zones
The Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have agreed to strengthen joint oversight of pharmaceutical and consumable products
The Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have agreed to strengthen joint oversight of pharmaceutical and consumable products manufactured within Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones.
The decision was reached during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to the Managing Director of NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, in Abuja.
Adeyeye said the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the two agencies to enhance NAFDAC’s regulatory responsibilities, particularly in the importation, exportation, production, and distribution of pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics within the zones.
She stressed the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to protect Nigerians from fake drugs and substandard consumables entering the market.
“This meeting should be viewed as part of our responsibility to protect citizens from fake drugs and consumables infiltrating the market from different sources,” she said.
According to her, NAFDAC remains committed to conducting necessary tests and enforcing compliance with approved standards to ensure the quality and safety of regulated products across relevant industries.
Adeyeye noted that the free trade zone scheme plays a critical role in Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic growth, adding that both agencies must work together to address existing gaps in regulation and compliance.
She said improved inspection processes and better facility management would help ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and food products exported from the zones into the customs territory.
Speaking during the meeting, Ogunyemi commended NAFDAC’s efforts in tackling irregularities in the production and distribution of medical supplies and consumables from the free trade zones.
He described the scheme, which comprises 63 zones and over 900 enterprises, as a major economic gateway for national development, though it is not without regulatory challenges.
“We need a joint effort to address some of the irregularities. We will allow NAFDAC to fully perform its regulatory functions because public health depends on it,” Ogunyemi said.
He added that NEPZA remains committed to preventing the free trade zones from becoming centres for illicit activities, noting that the partnership with NAFDAC would improve compliance standards across production and export operations.
