ABUJA, Nigeria – Small businesses seeking to register products with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have been warned against paying unrecognised agents millions of naira for registration services that could cost significantly less through the agency’s official channels.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said some entrepreneurs had reported paying several millions of naira to unofficial agents to secure product registration, despite the availability of direct application services and support from the regulator.
Adeyeye issued the warning at the SMEDAN-NAFDAC Summit in Lagos, according to a statement released by the agency on Sunday and signed by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola. She said NAFDAC was established to protect consumers by ensuring that products meet safety and quality standards while supporting genuine manufacturers seeking to formalise their businesses.
The agency, she explained, had introduced measures to reduce registration barriers for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including a 50 per cent reduction in registration fees for companies with five or fewer employees. Other measures include electronic applications, expedited laboratory analysis and dedicated support desks to guide small businesses through the registration process. “A conversation with us before submission saves time and money,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC chief executive explained that product registration begins with the submission of an application and supporting documents through the agency’s Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System.
She stressed that regulatory compliance was essential not only for protecting consumers but also for building trust in Nigerian products and improving their prospects in export markets. “Our doors are open, our officers are ready to guide you, and our shared goal is safe products, thriving businesses and a stronger Nigeria,” she said.
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