The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) refuted claims that it hindered or postponed the import of essential antileprosy medications into Nigeria, clarifying that the issue was rooted in regulatory compliance rather than bureaucratic obstacles.
In response to a BBC report titled ” “Vital Leprosy Drugs Due in Nigeria After Year Delay,” the agency issued a statement on Tuesday, highlighting its dedication to ensuring that only high-quality medications are allowed into the country.
According to NAFDAC, the delay was caused by the drug manufacturer’s inability to secure a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP) from Indian authorities, which is essential under Nigeria’s Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme.
NAFDAC emphasized, “It is our responsibility to protect public health by implementing rigorous quality control standards. The manufacturer failed to obtain the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP), a globally acknowledged certification provided by the regulatory authority in the exporting nation.”
In response to a request from the World Health Organization (WHO), NAFDAC announced that it acted decisively by asking for laboratory evaluation results from a certified CRIA lab in India. After the tests confirmed that the drugs complied with quality standards, the agency authorized their export to Nigeria.
The regulatory authority reaffirmed its commitment to decreasing Nigeria’s reliance on imported medications by enhancing domestic pharmaceutical production and making certain that all medicines in the country are safe and effective.
NAFDAC affirmed its commitment to making sure that only safe, effective, and high-quality medications are accessible for use in Nigeria.
