The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced on Thursday that it is significantly under-staffed. During a news conference in Lagos, Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye highlighted the agency’s priorities for 2025.
She explained, “The appropriate number of staff for an agency depends on the country’s population; it’s easier to regulate a nation with one million people than one with 300 million.” She noted that, ideally, NAFDAC should have around 10,000 staff members, but currently, it operates with only about 2,000. “We are overstretched and working tirelessly to ensure the health of Nigerians.”
While she clarified that they are not requesting the full 10,000 staff immediately, she emphasized the need for at least double or triple the current workforce.
Looking ahead, Adeyeye outlined five strategic pillars that NAFDAC will focus on to enhance national health: strong governance and leadership, maternal, newborn, and child health, institutionalizing best practices, ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products, and monitoring the supply chain.
She stated, “Reflecting on the past seven years has highlighted many achievements within NAFDAC, as well as the goals still to be met. This awareness has sharpened my focus on how to continue strengthening our regulatory system to protect the health of the nation.”
NAFDAC aims to enhance the industry by improving access to quality regulated products. Adeyeye emphasized that strong governance and leadership will keep the workforce motivated and disciplined, with ongoing training being a priority.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products, particularly for maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition. This approach aims to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and maternal deaths while significantly reducing child morbidity.
“Special attention will be given to pediatric antimalarials and antibiotics. Manufacturers will be encouraged to develop pediatric medicines and work towards achieving WHO prequalification,” she added.
