Nigeria’s consumer protection framework has been strengthened following the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
This renewed collaboration aims to enhance product safety and uphold consumer rights.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, commended FCCPC leadership, describing its Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, as responsive and committed to consumer protection.
“That is the way it is supposed to be,” she said, noting that Nigerians deserve the same level of protection as consumers globally.
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Adeyeye said recent engagements with the FCCPC demonstrated urgency and effectiveness, citing instances where complaints she raised were addressed promptly.
She explained that the renewed partnership would strengthen joint efforts to safeguard consumers and ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of regulated products.
“It is people that use those products, and that is where the consumer comes in… consumers have the right to complain so that NAFDAC’s work can be effective,” she stated.
The NAFDAC boss also emphasised that collaboration between agencies must go beyond formal agreements.
“An MoU has little value unless it is backed by practical action,” she added.
Improve Coordination
Speaking earlier, Bello said the renewed agreement would improve coordination in areas where both agencies’ mandates intersect.
“While the FCCPC protects consumers from unfair, deceptive and exploitative market practices, NAFDAC regulates the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and other regulated products,” he explained.
He noted that the MoU would enhance information sharing, speed up complaint resolution, and enable joint investigations.
“For consumers, the benefits are clear. There will be more straightforward pathways for lodging complaints, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are not met,” Bello said.
According to him, while the agreement provides a strong framework, its success will depend on effective implementation.
“The real task lies in implementation… the systems established here must be used actively, reviewed regularly and strengthened where necessary,” he stressed.
Bello reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with NAFDAC and other stakeholders to promote fair, transparent, and efficient markets.
The renewed partnership is expected to improve regulatory synergy, strengthen enforcement, and boost consumer confidence across Nigeria’s healthcare and product markets.
