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Tag: NAFDAC

  • 544kg illegal drugs seized in Anambra

    544kg illegal drugs seized in Anambra

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday said it seized 544.53kg of illicit drug in Anambra State between January and February 26, 2020.

    The agency’s new commander in the state Mohammed Idris gave the information as he addressed reporters following his redeployment.

    Idris succeeds Mr Sule Momodu, deployed to Katsina State.

    Idris said the command’s record showed that more than 426kg of illicit drugs were seized by the command throughout 2019.

    “A total of 45 suspects, including 42 males and three females, were arrested in connection with the illicit drugs during the period under review,” he said.

    Idris said that his command secured five convictions, filed 13 new cases at the Federal High Court, Awka, while 149 cases are pending in courts.

    He said 23 drug addicts were undergoing counseling and rehabilitation at the agency’s facility in Onitsha.

     

  • Stop consuming non iodine salt, NAFDAC urges Nigerians

    Stop consuming non iodine salt, NAFDAC urges Nigerians

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to stop the consumption of non iodine salt, saying “it is dangerous to human health.”

    Dr Abubakar Jimoh, the Director of Public Affairs of the agency gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The director spoke while responding to the rumour that people in the rural communities were still consuming the local salt, which was not processed.

    He said that the consumption of such local salt could lead to goiter and other dangerous diseases to human health and called on Nigerians to do away with the product.

    According to the director, there are four areas in Nigeria where traditional salt is still being traded, particularly in Nasarawa state.

    “NAFDAC is making effort to stop the trading of this salt in these states but some of them have refused.

    “With the creation of NAFDAC in 1993, that was the first time and there was still major work to be done on salt consumption.

    “We have organised sensitisation workshop on universal salt iodinsation.

    “We have been educating Nigerians that we should not be consuming this local salt because it is not iodine.

    “We began a programme in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Funds (UNICEF), Micro Nutrient Initiative, Global Alliance and other development partners on the issue.

    “We flag-off a campaign against that and it was held in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, in 2004 under late Professor Dora Akunyili as the Director General of the agency.

    According to Jimoh, based on the work NAFDAC did then, Nigeria was declared universal salt iodinsation compliance in Turkey and also won numerous awards in that regards.

    “Nasarawa is one of the identified four major endemic areas, they have insisted that it is their traditional source of making livelihood, it is commerce for them.

    “They have told NAFDAC as at that time that if they must leave the trade, what they will be trading on must be provided for them,” the director disclosed.

    He, however, called on those who are still trading amd consuming non iodine salt in Nasarawa to stop it, adding that such act was capable bringing setback to the country.

  • NAFDAC to re-equip laboratories to combat fake drugs

    NAFDAC to re-equip laboratories to combat fake drugs

    From Jonas Ike, Abuja

    The National Agency for Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has hinted of plans to refurbish all its laboratories in some states of the federation due to the prevalence of fake and adulterated drugs in circulation in Nigeria.
    Director-General of the Agency Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye gave the hint at the agency’s corporate office Wuse Zone 5 Abuja on Monday saying that the there is a very increasing rate of fake and adulterated drugs in circulation in the country.
    For many Nigerians the issue of faking and counterfeiting of drugs and other healthcare products is as old as the history of evolution of the oldest human specie homo sapiens.
    From time immemorial, the faking and adulteration of drug had been one of the most thriving trade among the middle income groups in many traditional African societies.
    In recent times still, the trading of unlicensed and illicit drugs has become one of the the greatest challenges facing health service providers due to the number of fake drugs in circulation in Nigeria
    Industry regulators particularly. NAFDAC the government agency in the health sector appear helpless in tackling the serious challenge posed by unregulated and adulterated drugs in the hands of unlicensed healthcare providers.
    The agency in a bid to stem the growing number of fake drugs manufacturing companies operating in the country started the registration of drug manufacturing entities sine ten years ago.
    According to NAFDAC, all drugs confectioneries and other household products manufactured or imported and being distributed in Nigeria are expected to bear conspicuous registration numbers from the agency.
    Despite the clampdown on unregistered and unregulated healthcare and household products in Nigeria by the agency the prevalence of fake and illicit drugs is still very high and worrisome to all health professionals.
    The major roads and streets in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Kano and other highly populated cities still have many unregistered drug hawkers whose stock in trade is distribution of u wholesome and unlicenced drugs.
    To our bewilderment, the so called Dr Salisu Nawagida popularly knwon as Baba Aisha of this age, the renowned Dr. Iguedo of the Popular Goko Cleanser, the Isi Ebule Kalamine Lotion, the 7 Keys to Power of the past twenty decades are known herbalists that are still selling their local herbal mixtures along major roads.
    This state of affairs gives all informed citizens serious cause for worries. So many of these herbal products are even bearing registration numbers said to have been issued by the nation’s regulatory agency.
    Who it was that certified these products free for public consumption becomes the most critical question in this regard.
    Of recent, there are cases of kidney failure, high blood pressure and cardiac related ailments in Nigeria many of which are traceable to the consumption of fake and unregistered drugs.
    There are also many damning reports on the sale of some outlawed drugs like codeine and fansida and so many other drugs that have been certified as killers drugs by relevant government agencies.
    There is no gainsaying that the resolve of the DG of NAFDAC to re-equip its laboratories for re-certification of unlicensed and unregistered drugs has become very imperative for healthcare service providers in Nigeria to address issues of fake drugs in circulation in the country.
  • NAFDAC shuts water factory in Bauchi

    NAFDAC shuts water factory in Bauchi

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut a package water factory in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State for operating without registration.
    In a statement by the Director of Public Affairs, NAFDAC, Mr Abubakar Jimoh, on Saturday disclosed that the agency shut Ummi Salama Table Water during one of its routine inspections in Bauchi State.
    Jimoh said that the facility was shut for non registration of its facility with the agency.
    According to him, another table water factory in the same location, T-Cee Table Water, was placed on hold for producing with faulty UV light.
    He stated that the state office would ensure that all products regulated by the agency are produced under NAFDAC regulations and are safe for human consumption.
    Jimoh added that the action would serve as a deterrent to offenders who violates NAFDAC efforts in safeguarding the health of the nation.

  • NAFDAC bans use of methyl bromide as fumigant

    NAFDAC bans use of methyl bromide as fumigant

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has banned the use of methyl bromide as fumigant in Nigeria.
    The agency announced this in a statement signed on behalf of the Director General, Mrs Mojisola Adeyeye, on Monday in Abuja.
    NAFDAC in the statement said that its attention had been drawn to an upsurge in the demand by some countries for the use of methyl bromide by Nigeria on some of its products exported to them.
    “This is sequel to the new requirement of the government of some countries, such as Mexico and India, that methyl bromide must be used as fumigant on the agricultural produce being exported to their countries.
    “In exercising of her mandate as entrenched in NAFDAC Act Cap No.1 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, we wish to draw the attention of farmers, exporters of agricultural produce, agro-dealers and the general public to the ban on methyl bromide use as a fumigant in Nigeria,” it said.
    It added that exposure may occur during fumigation activities and that studies in human had indicated that the lung may be severely injured by the acute (short-term) inhalation of methyl bromide.
    According to NAFDAC, acute and chronic (long-term) inhalation of methyl bromide can lead to neurological effect in humans.
    It said that the use of methyl bromide was banned by Montreal Protocol 1987 due to its effect on ozone layer depletion property and had continued to receive critical uses exemption from other countries since 1987.
    The agency says it has implemented the ban because Nigeria is a signatory to the protocol.
    It added that its database showed that methyl bromide had not been registered nor issued on permit for importation and use since the ban.
    NAFDAC called on farmers, agro-input dealers and exporters of agricultural produce to use alternative pesticides that were cheaper, safer and more effective.
    It also urged the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to look into the mandatory requirement of methyl bromide fumigants as a critical issue which could bring impediment and injuries to human and the environment.

  • NAFDAC bans use of methyl bromide as fumigant

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has banned the use of methyl bromide as fumigant in Nigeria.
    The agency announced this in a statement signed on behalf of the Director General, Mrs Mojisola Adeyeye, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
    NAFDAC in the statement said that its attention had been drawn to an upsurge in the demand by some countries for the use of methyl bromide by Nigeria on some of its products exported to them.
    “This is sequel to the new requirement of the government of some countries, such as Mexico and India, that methyl bromide must be used as fumigant on the agricultural produce being exported to their countries.
    “In exercising of her mandate as entrenched in NAFDAC Act Cap No.1 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, we wish to draw the attention of farmers, exporters of agricultural produce, agro-dealers and the general public to the ban on methyl bromide use as a fumigant in Nigeria,’’ it said.
    It added that exposure may occur during fumigation activities and that studies in human had indicated that the lung may be severely injured by the acute (short-term) inhalation of methyl bromide.
    According to NAFDAC, acute and chronic (long-term) inhalation of methyl bromide can lead to neurological effect in humans.
    It said that the use of methyl bromide was banned by Montreal Protocol 1987 due to its effect on ozone layer depletion property and had continued to receive critical uses exemption from other countries since 1987.
    The agency says it has implemented the ban because Nigeria is a signatory to the protocol.
    It added that its database showed that methyl bromide had not been registered nor issued on permit for importation and use since the ban.
    NAFDAC called on farmers, agro-input dealers and exporters of agricultural produce to use alternative pesticides that were cheaper, safer and more effective.
    It also urged the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to look into the mandatory requirement of methyl bromide fumigants as a critical issue which could bring impediment and injuries to human and the environment.

  • NAFDAC bans sale of Sniper, others in the open market

    NAFDAC bans sale of Sniper, others in the open market

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has declared the ban on sale of Sniper and other brands of agricultural formulations of Dichlorvos following widespread suicide cases and misuse of the products.
    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, said this in a statement on Wednesday.
    Adeyeye said from September 1, 2019, Sniper and other related products would not be sold in supermarkets and in the open markets.
    The NAFDAC boss noted that such products should only be used for outdoor purposes and not private homes.
    The statement read in part, “NAFDAC is giving a two-month (up to August 31, 2019) notice to brand owners/distributors to recall and withdraw their products from open markets and supermarkets that do not have garden corner/shelves to the agro dealer outlets.
    “The sale of Sniper insecticide and other Dichlorvos brands in open markets and supermarkets nationwide is prohibited with effect from September 1, 2019. NAFDAC is giving a six-month moratorium up to January 1, 2020 for brand owners to exhaust the products that are in various accredited agro-input dealers (distributors/marketers/retailers) outlets.”
    The agency ordered the obligatory listing of dealers, distributors, marketers and retailers of agrochemicals.
    All NAFDAC formations are expected to collect the list to guarantee continual monitoring of all agro dealers in their states, the statement stated further.
    The agency said CropLife Nigeria, in collaboration with NAFDAC, had agreed to provide remedies against Dichlorvos poisoning in tertiary and secondary medical centres across Nigeria, as well as the reformulation of all Dichlorvos preparation to include “bitter agents and vomiting induced agents.”
     

  • NAFDAC seizes fake ”Fidossi Spunmante” drinks in Edo

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized not less than 90 cartons of fake ”Fidossi Spunmante” drinks, a brand of alcoholic wine, without registration number in Edo.

    Mrs Itua Esther, Assistant Director of NAFDAC in Edo disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Saturday.

    Itua said the seizure followed a raid on five shops at Upper Sakponba, Mission Road, Benin on Friday.

    “We are after Festa Spunmante, the registered brand of this particular drink is Fidossi Spunmante.

    “Festa Spunmante does not have NAFDAC registration number on it, this brand of drink did not pass through the normal process.

    “NAFDAC is the body that controls, regulates exportation and importation and use of regulated products. This particular drink falls under food which is part of what NAFDAC regulates.

    “The company that produces the brand is supposed to have come through NAFDAC, we do an inspection of the facility abroad.

    “The selling of fake drinks and other regulated products is not on the increase because the agency is not resting on its fight against counterfeit regulated products.

    “The consumption of counterfeit drinks could cause kidney problems,” she said.

    NAN confirmed that while the original sells for about N8,000, the fake is sold for N5,500 per carton.

    Itua explained that the company was supposed to pay a stipulated fee for imported food products and the brand of the drink would be taken to the laboratory for a test.

    She said the brand was usually tested for the agency to ascertain what the content was about and if it was fit to be consumed by Nigerians.

    The assistant director advised consumers to be vigilant and ensure that they purchase only products with NAFDAC registration numbers and still in their shelf life periods.

    She called on consumers to also report suspected dealers and fakers of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

  • NAFDAC suspends new tariffs on pharmaceutical products, others

    NAFDAC suspends new tariffs on pharmaceutical products, others

    The Governing Council of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said it has suspended implementation of the new tariffs which came into effect on 1st June, 2019.

    The move, NAFDAC said is to douse tension and assuage the yearnings of stakeholders in the pharmaceutical, food and allied industries.

    According a statement signed by the director, Public Affairs, NAFDAC, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, the decision was reached after a marathon stakeholders forum and meeting of the Governing Council.

    The board said that the decision was reach by the governing council of NAFDAC at a stakeholders meeting held recently in Lagos and was disclosed by the chairman of the council, Mr Inuwa Abdul-kadir.

    “After a marathon stakeholders forum and meeting of the governing council, it was resolved that all NAFDAC stakeholders affected by the new tariff will henceforth revert to payment of the old tariff until further notice.

    “The council has consider substantially the inputs of the stakeholders in arriving at a new tariff regime which will soon be released by the agency after doing all the needful including sensitising the public before it becomes effective,” Abdul-kadir. said.

    He said that the suspension of the new tariff is borne out of NAFDAC avowed commitment to the promotion of the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

    Abdul-kadir said that the need to carry along stakeholders in decision making was in line with global best practices and that NAFDAC would continue to promote the manufacture, exportation and importation of good quality products.

    “We need to promote local manufacture of regulated products as part of Federal Government concerted efforts to create jobs and increase foreign exchange earnings by our dear nation.

    “Nigeria has the potential of producing pharmaceutical products for the domestic consumption and export to West African Countries,” Abdul-kadir added.

    The chairman of the governing council stressed the need for NAFDAC to procure new laboratory equipment, operational vehicles and other facilities to enable it render quality and efficient services.

    He said the agency will evolves separate tariffs for the over 35 millions MSME operators dealing on NAFDAC regulated products and also ensure that they adhere strictly to regulatory without compromise.

  • NAFDAC suspends implementation of new tariffs

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has suspended the implementation of the new tariffs.

    NAFDAC, in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, stated the decision became necessary following the agitations against the new tariffs.

    The implementation of the tariff was expected to have commenced on 1st June, but did not go down well with other stakeholders who resisted it.

    To douse the tension, the council urged all the parties to maintain status quo, while it continue to dialogue with critical stakeholders on the review of tariffs.

    The statement reads: ‘In a decisive and quick move to douse tension and assuage the yearnings of stakeholders in the pharmaceutical, Food and Allied Industries, the Governing Council of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has suspended implementation of the new tariffs which came into effect on 1st June, 2019.

    “After a marathon Stakeholders Forum and Meeting of the Governing Council, it was resolved that all NAFDAC Stakeholders affected by the new tariffs will henceforth revert to payment of the old tariffs until further notice.

    Chairman of NAFDAC Governing Council, Hon. Inuwa Abdul-Kadir said the status quo remains while NAFDAC will continue to dialogue with all the concerned stakeholders on the tariff review and other regulatory issues.

    “Abdul-Kadir said the Council has considered substantially the inputs of the stakeholders in arriving at a new tariff regime which will soon be released by the Agency after doing all the needful including sensitising the public before it becomes effective.

    According to him, the suspension of the new tariffs was borne out of NAFDAC’s avowed commitment to the promotion of the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.