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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over a critical manpower shortage within the agency.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Thursday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that the agency operates with only about 2,000 staff members, a team she described as grossly inadequate for Nigeria’s population size.
She lamented the strain on existing personnel, saying, “We burn candles on both ends and overstress ourselves because we have to safeguard the health of Nigerians. We’re not asking for 10,000 staff immediately; we’re asking for double or triple what we currently have.”
Adeyeye outlined five strategic pillars that will guide NAFDAC’s activities. These include strong governance and leadership, maternal, newborn, and child health, institutionalising best practices, ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products, and monitoring the supply chain.
Reflecting on her tenure, Adeyeye highlighted the agency’s accomplishments while emphasising the need to strengthen regulatory systems.
“This realisation has sharpened my focus on strategically working towards continued strengthening of the regulatory system as a needed path toward safeguarding the health of the nation,” she said.
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She said NAFDAC plans to prioritise maternal and child health by focusing on pediatric antimalarials, antibiotics, and medicines to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and reduce child morbidity. Manufacturers, she added, will be incentivised to develop pediatric medicines and pursue World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification.
The Director-General also stressed the importance of strong governance and leadership in maintaining a motivated and disciplined workforce, adding that training remains a top priority for staff.
She said NAFDAC remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s regulatory needs despite its challenges, noting that the agency will continue to unlock the value chain to ensure access to quality products in the country.
