The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its dedication to guaranteeing the availability of narcotics and controlled substances strictly for medical and scientific purposes in Nigeria.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the agency’s commitment to preventing the diversion of these substances for illicit use.
In a statement issued on March 10, NAFDAC said the reassurance follows concerns raised by medical professionals, including Prof Adewale Anthonio Oke of the University of Lagos Medical School, regarding addiction among some surgeons and healthcare providers to narcotics used for pain management post-surgery.
Prof Oke highlighted the necessity of narcotics in managing severe pain associated with conditions like sickle cell disease crises and cancer, but also underscored the risk of addiction among healthcare professionals. He praised NAFDAC’s efforts in controlling the availability of these medicines and emphasized the importance of collaboration between NAFDAC and NDLEA to address the issue effectively.
Adeyeye acknowledged the indispensability of these substances in medical care but stressed the importance of balancing access with control due to their addictive nature.
To address these challenges, NAFDAC in the statement signed by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola said it has implemented various measures including the Introduction of electronic permits for importing controlled substances; the use of the Pre-Export Notification (PEN) Online System to monitor international trade; enhanced monitoring of the distribution chain and the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP).
The agency will also commence the initiation of a national pharmaceutical traceability system and participate in global efforts such as the Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS).
Additionally, NAFDAC will conduct drug demand reduction activities and collaborates with sister agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and The Nigeria Police to combat illicit drug trafficking.
