The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has rejected claims that it delayed or obstructed the importation of crucial antileprosy drugs into Nigeria.
In a statement released on its X handle on Tuesday, NAFDAC addressed a recent BBC report titled “Vital Leprosy Drugs Due in Nigeria After Year Delay,” clarifying that its primary focus remains ensuring public health by adhering to strict quality control protocols.
Since 2002, NAFDAC has operated the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme, which was strengthened in 2020. The scheme ensures that drugs imported from high-risk countries such as India and China meet global quality standards before entering Nigeria.
One of the key requirements under this scheme is the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP), an internationally recognized document provided by the regulatory authority of the exporting country. NAFDAC revealed that the manufacturer of the antileprosy drugs in question had not obtained the COPP from Indian authorities.
After a request from the World Health Organization, NAFDAC sought laboratory evaluation results from an approved CRIA laboratory in India. Upon receiving satisfactory results, the agency authorized the export of the medicines to Nigeria, balancing patient needs with regulatory compliance.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported medications by reinforcing regulatory frameworks and supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturers.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines are available for use in Nigeria,” the agency affirmed.
