HomeLegal Glossary › NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control)
Nigerian Consumer Law

NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control)

NAFDAC regulates and controls the manufacture, importation, export, distribution, and sale of food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in Nigeria. It can recall products and prosecute manufacturers of substandard goods.

Legal Definition

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is established under NAFDAC Act (Cap N1, LFN 2004). NAFDAC's mandate is to regulate and control all food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals to ensure they meet safety standards. Key functions: approving and registering products before market entry; inspecting manufacturing facilities; monitoring imports at ports of entry; testing samples; recalling substandard or counterfeit products; and prosecuting producers and distributors of fake or harmful products. Consumers can report suspected fake drugs, contaminated food, or unregistered products to NAFDAC via its consumer complaint portal, email, or by calling 0800NAFDAC (080062332). NAFDAC publishes lists of registered products on its website so consumers can verify authenticity. Buying from registered pharmacies and supermarkets and checking for NAFDAC registration numbers on product labels reduces the risk of counterfeit goods.

📖 Constitutional / Statutory Basis: National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act (Cap N1, LFN 2004, as amended); Federal Food, Drugs and Related Products Registration (Etc.) Act

Practical Example

A consumer purchases eye drops from a roadside stall and develops a severe reaction. She checks the NAFDAC number on the packaging and finds it is not registered. She reports to NAFDAC which investigates and seizes the counterfeit stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a drug or food product is NAFDAC-approved in Nigeria?
Check for a NAFDAC registration number on the label (format: NAFDAC REG. NO. XX-XXXX). You can verify the number on the NAFDAC website or call their consumer line. Unregistered products should be avoided and reported.
What does NAFDAC do if a product is found to be substandard?
NAFDAC issues a recall notice, seizes the stock in the market, can prosecute the manufacturer or importer, and can revoke the product's registration. It also publishes public alerts about the product.

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