The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced plans to attain the World Health Organization’s highest regulatory maturity level as part of its ongoing digital transformation agenda.
NAFDAC’s leadership said the agency is strengthening its systems to meet global standards in food and drug regulation, safety monitoring, and enforcement. Achieving the WHO benchmark would place Nigeria among countries with the most advanced regulatory authorities worldwide.
As part of the reforms, NAFDAC has expanded the use of digital platforms for product registration, tracking, and surveillance. These systems are designed to reduce processing delays, improve transparency, and limit human interference that could encourage corruption.
The agency noted that digital tools are also being deployed to combat counterfeit medicines and substandard products, which remain a major public health concern in Nigeria and the wider region.
NAFDAC officials stated that staff training, data integration, and international collaboration are central to the reform process. The agency is working closely with the WHO and other global partners to align its procedures with best practices.
Public health experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that a stronger regulatory system will boost confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and food industries. They also said it would improve public safety and attract foreign investment.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality products are available in the Nigerian market.
