News Highlights:
- NAFDAC is using technology to fight fake and substandard products in Nigeria.
- A workshop in Awka trained stakeholders on new digital tools for product authentication.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology to combat substandard and falsified products in Nigeria.
Speaking at a two-day sensitization and awareness workshop in Awka, Anambra State, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the agency’s resolve to use innovative solutions to protect public health.
The workshop, held on Wednesday, focused on the Greenbook, Traceability Project, and Paediatric Policy.
Represented by her Special Assistant, Mr. Gbenga Fajemirokun, Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the importance of the workshop in educating stakeholders and providing hands-on training on key technologies introduced by the agency.
These include the NAFDAC Greenbook, Traceability Regulation 2024, and Paediatric Regulation 2024—all designed to empower consumers in identifying and avoiding counterfeit products.
“The agency is determined to use modern technology to curb the activities of counterfeiters,” she stated. “Sensitizing stakeholders about these innovations is crucial to ensuring that both regulators and those being regulated work together in the fight against substandard and falsified medical products.”
Participants at the workshop were guided through the process of downloading and using the newly launched applications to detect fake products.
Prof. Adeyeye further explained the distinct roles of each technology stating that whereas NAFDAC Greenbook is an online platform that helps users verify the authenticity and source of products, Paediatric Regulation 2024 is a special regulation addressing the healthcare needs of children.
According to her, Traceability Regulation 2024 is a legal framework mandating that all drugs and related products manufactured, imported, or sold in Nigeria must have a unique identifier created by the brand owner for visibility and tracking throughout the supply chain.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, including representatives from the Nigerian Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists, among others.
Digital TimesNG reports that through initiatives like these, NAFDAC continues to enhance consumer safety and strengthen the fight against counterfeit medical products in Nigeria.