Get Guardian on GoogleThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have urged Nigerian manufacturers to strictly adhere to high product quality and safety standards to boost their competitiveness in the international market.
Speaking at a Roundtable Breakfast Meeting organised by NACCIMA in Lagos, the leadership of both organisationsemphasised that regulatory compliance is a vital strategic tool for expanding global trade, driving economic growth, and safeguarding public health.
The duo raised an alarm over the dangers in production of sub-standard goods, warning that poor quality products are actively eroding public health and shortening the average lifespan of Nigerians.
The Guest Speaker and Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. MojisolaAdeyeye, urged Nigerian manufacturers to always ensure that their products meet the highest standards of quality.
Speaking on the theme: “Strengthening Regulatory Compliance For Competitive Nigerian Business,” Adeyeye said poor products have reduced the lifespan of Nigerians from 60+ years to 56 years.
She said: “The medicines we take must be effective. The food that we eat must make us whole, and the products reaching consumers must meet the highest standards of quality. Safe food and quality medicines build healthy communities. It creates competitive businesses and a stronger nation. The lifespan in our country, unfortunately, is about 56 years.
Growing up, it was like 60+ years. I repeat, the message is simple: Safe food and quality medicines, build healthy communities, competitive businesses, and a stronger nation, a wealthier nation.”
She emphasised that quality and safety must be embedded throughout the value chain for Nigeria companies to remain competitive in the international market.
The National President, NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, assured that the agency is committed to representing the interest of the private sector and fostering constructive partnerships with government and regulatory institutions towards a more competitive Nigerian economy.
Ibrahim, represented by the Second Deputy President, NACCIMA, Dr. Michael Olawale Cole, said: “Effective regulation is essential to protecting consumers, building confidence and ensuring that Nigerian products meet both domestic and international standards. However, businesses, particularly SMEs and local manufacturers continue to face challenges relating to compliance, costs, products registration, certification and regulatory procedures. We must therefore promote a regulatory environment that protects public health while supporting local production, investment and enterprise growth.”
