The Nigerian Government has called for stricter enforcement of existing laws and the introduction of tougher sanctions against those involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit medicines and substandard products across the country.
The Deputy Director, Narcotic and Drug Abuse Division, Food and Drug Services Department, Ministry of Health, Abdulhamad Wosilat made the call while representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate at a two-day Sensitisation and Awareness workshop on Green Book, Traceability Project and Paediatric policy.
She commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC) for its ongoing efforts in curbing the menace but noted that the challenge remains overwhelming and requires continuous, coordinated action.
Wosilat highlighted key initiatives such as the pharmaceutical product traceability system, paediatric regulations, and the Green Book, which provide guidance tonsure product quality and safety for Nigerians.
“We urged stakeholders to take lessons from the workshop back to their various constituencies and intensify awareness campaigns to reduce the prevalence of counterfeit medicines to the barest minimum,” she said.
Giving her opening speech, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye reaffirmed “the agency’s commitment to eliminating substandard and falsified medical products through the adoption of modern technologies and regulatory innovations.”
Professor Adeyeye noted that despite the agency’s consistent efforts through public enlightenment programmes, media engagement, and advanced testing technologies such as Truscanand Minilab, counterfeiters continue to evolve, making it necessary for NAFDAC to strengthen its surveillance and traceability systems.
She explained that “the NAFDAC Green book serves as an online verification platform for confirming the authenticity of registered medical products, while the Pharmaceutical Products Traceability Regulations, 2024, provide a legal framework for tracking medicines across the supply chain.
“The Pediatric Regulation, 2024, focuses on ensuring that medicines for children meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.”
Professor Adeyeye called on all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to support these initiatives, stressing that “collective action is crucial to ensure that every medicine in Nigeria is safe, effective, and traceable.”
She was represented at the event by her Special Assistant, Mr. Gbenga Fajemirokun.
During his goodwill message, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, Comrade Jama Medan commended Nigeria government for its commitment to advancing healthcare delivery, environmental sustainability, and child welfare through initiatives such as the Green book, Traceability Project, and Paediatric Policy.
Medan lauded the organisers for their foresight and dedication.
He said, “As nurses and midwives, we are at the heart of health service delivery, and our understanding of traceability, environmental health, and child-focused policies directly impacts the quality of care we provide.”
Medan urged participants to make the most of the workshop by sharing knowledge and applying the lessons learned in their workplaces and communities.
He said; “Together, we can build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for our children and generations to come.”