NAFDAC calls for holistic approach to stop importation of illicit medical devices

In order to solve the menace of sub-standard falsified medical devices coming into the country through the ports, the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reiterated the need for a holistic approach by all the relevant agencies of government.

Adeyeye stated this at the multi-billion naira ultra-modern Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited Syringe factory at Karameh Industrial City, Arepo, Ogun State.

Adeyeye was part of the government officials, including the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Doris Uzo-Anite; Minister of State for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande; United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Mrs Amina Mohammed; and the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs Aisha Rimi, who visited the factory.

In a statement issued by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the NAFDAC boss stressed that the agency had put an end to granting import authorisation to importers, including international partners.

She said the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) has also been directed to patronise the local manufacturers of syringes to provide employment opportunities to Nigerians through the expansion of operations of the country’s manufacturing companies.

Adeyeye added that NPHDA was given the last import order in December 2023, with the instruction that they should begin to source from the local manufacturers thereafter.

She further explained that NAFDAC has halted syringe importation to promote locally made syringes.

“This suspension applies even to syringes previously imported by NAFDAC’s international partners.

“The goal is to shift the focus towards supporting domestic syringe manufacturing.

”However, for the local manufacturers, we are doing hand-holding with our syringe companies. Hand-holding, meaning we are working with them by correcting whatever we found wrong or inappropriate in their operations. This initiative has started yielding positive dividends as the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently requested for names of the three syringe manufacturing companies in Nigeria to do business with,” she added.

The NAFDAC DG further said that the names were supplied to WHO, adding that they have been contacted for guidance towards pre-qualification and eventual access of the products for use.

Adeyeye, however, advocated for a holistic approach to combatting importation of substandard falsified medical devices into the country.

She stated that some medical devices still come into the country with the aid of compromised officials at the ports.

According to her, the government had already put high tariffs on the importation of syringes to discourage importation. She, however, expressed regret that the system in the ports negates that policy.

”That is the problem. It’s going to be a holistic government approach to tackle the problem. It’s not something that only NAFDAC, SON, or Customs can do. It must be all-embracing,” she said

Adeyeye noted that the locally manufactured syringes may be a little costlier, adding that once the local industry starts to have volume, the price will come down.

She also urged government to reduce the import tariff on critical raw materials and equipment used for local production, adding that they should be given zero tariffs for a limited time moratorium.

Adeyeye said that NAFDAC has the power to create a ceiling on importation, stressing that the three companies in Nigeria produce syringes that will satisfy the local demand and export.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, called for a total ban on the importation of medical syringe and reaffirmed the determination of the Federal Government to provide the necessary support to the local manufacturing sector in order to enhance its contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Alausa affirmed that the restructuring of syringe and needle production in Nigeria aims to guarantee the availability of high-quality products manufactured by Nigerians in the market, and generate lucrative employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The minister implored NAFDAC to ensure that unbridled importation of syringe does not hamper the development of the local industry through unhealthy competition.

“Don’t give them any more authorisation to import. We need to protect the local industry through the backward integration model aimed at enhancing the local capacity,’’ he said.

The minister askd NAFDAC to engage all the relevant agencies to achieve the desired government policy thrust, reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to remove barriers impeding industrialization and manufacturing in Nigeria.