The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified its role in managing drug availability and accessibility in Nigeria, stating that it does not regulate drug prices.
Speaking during a webinar organized by TheCable to mark its 10th anniversary, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the importance of promoting local pharmaceutical companies to mitigate the escalating costs of medications.
Adeyeye stressed that increasing the number of local drug manufacturers is crucial, especially as overseas manufacturers exit the country. She highlighted the need to stabilize foreign exchange devaluation to support the domestic drug manufacturing sector.
Under the theme “Addressing the escalating costs of medicines,” Adeyeye warned that neglecting local manufacturing could perpetuate drug insecurity in the country. She asserted that Nigeria has the capacity to produce most pharmaceutical products locally, except for specialized items like inhalers for asthma.
Acknowledging concerns about shortages, Adeyeye explained NAFDAC’s response, stating that when shortages occur, the agency permits companies to import products to alleviate the situation, facilitating a faster registration process for such imports.
However, she reiterated that NAFDAC does not regulate drug prices but ensures access to quality products. Adeyeye cautioned against the assumption that imported drugs are always superior, emphasizing the importance of purchasing medications from reputable sources like pharmacies rather than street corners.
Highlighting the need for government support for local manufacturing, Adeyeye warned of sustained “drug insecurity” if the country fails to prioritize local drug production. She cited initiatives like the “five plus five directive,” aimed at reducing import dependence by encouraging local drug manufacturing.
Adeyeye noted positive outcomes from such initiatives, with more than 30 percent of companies in Nigeria emerging as a result of the directive. She emphasized that supporting local manufacturers through partnerships and initiatives like contract manufacturing is key to ensuring the availability of affordable and quality medications in Nigeria.
