NAFDAC cautions chemical distributors against criminal activities

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned chemical distributors against abuse of chemicals as it could lead to an explosion, and property damage, including fire outbreak and loss of lives.

The NAFDAC, Director General (DG), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, who stated this at the Amalgamated Chemical Dealers Association of Nigeria (ACDAN), maiden national conference 2024, titled Chemical Distribution in Contemporary Nigeria, in Lagos, urged chemical distributors to know their buyers and what they use chemicals to do to avoid it being diverted by criminals and kidnappers, who use such products for money laundry and other criminal activities.

The DG, who was represented by Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr Patrick Omokpariola, said the reason why chemicals and chemical facilities are being regulated is because there has been a previous attack by non-state actors that caused deaths and injuries including loss of property.

She said that chemicals face a persistent and evolving threat all over the world including Nigeria as certain chemical facilities possess materials that could be stolen or diverted and used for terrorist activities.

Adeyeye said the National Chemical Regulatory Control aims to secure chemicals and related assets throughout the supply value chain, including preventing the risk of misuse of chemicals and promoting peaceful and safe applications, as well as developing innovative strategies to manage chemical emergencies by involving novel tool, strengthen and ensure stakeholders to understand chemical emergencies.

She said chemical distributors should have licenses and certificates before going into the chemical business to enable them to know the rules and regulations guiding chemical distributions.

ACDAN President General, Ikem Omalu, said their partnership with the NAFDAC is vital in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the products the association distributes to foster public trust in the industry.

He said NAFDAC and the association can work towards providing a regulatory framework that supports innovation and safeguard public health.

Omalu explained that the conference offers a unique opportunity for the association to share knowledge and best practices, as well as network, forge strategic partnerships, and engage with policymakers and regulations.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professionalism and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety, as well as building mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders and contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.