NAFDAC clears air on delayed leprosy drug shipment to Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has responded to a BBC report claiming that vital leprosy drugs faced delays in reaching Nigeria due to the country’s regulatory policies.

The agency clarified that the delay was caused by non-compliance with essential quality assurance procedures, not an intentional blockage.

In a statement released on March 10, 2025, NAFDAC explained that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had requested a waiver for certain mandatory testing policies to allow the importation of Rifampicin, an antileprosy drug.

However, NAFDAC said the manufacturer failed to secure a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) from the Indian Regulatory Authority, a key requirement under WHO guidelines.

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“Unfortunately, due process was not followed in ensuring that the manufacturer of the said consignment of antileprosy drugs obtained this quality assurance document,” NAFDAC stated.

The agency, however, confirmed that after receiving a laboratory evaluation report from an approved Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) laboratory in India, it approved the release of the drugs.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to public health, stating that it is working to reduce dependence on imported medicines by strengthening regulatory systems and supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“NAFDAC will continue to ensure that only quality, safe, and efficacious medicines are available for distribution, sale, and use within Nigeria,” the statement read.