Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a decisive move to combat the influx of counterfeit and substandard drugs into Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has appointed Cotecna Inspection Services (CIS) as a key agent under its Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) scheme.
This partnership follows a sweeping crackdown by NAFDAC in which the agency seized and destroyed over ₦1 trillion worth of banned, expired, and falsified medicines across major markets in Idumota (Lagos), Onitsha (Anambra), and Aba (Abia).
Speaking during a hybrid technical session, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency is intensifying regulatory efforts to ensure only safe, high-quality medicines reach Nigerian consumers—especially targeting imports from India and China, which are known sources of pharmaceutical imports.
“Substandard and falsified medicines are a global threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This trade results in economic sabotage, drug resistance, and loss of lives,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
CRIA Scheme: Nigeria's Pharmaceutical Gatekeeper
Under the CRIA scheme, Cotecna and other agents are mandated to conduct physical inspections and laboratory tests of all NAFDAC-regulated products before they are shipped to Nigeria. These inspections ensure compliance with Nigeria’s strict labeling, packaging, and health safety standards.
Prof. Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC recently suspended one CRIA agent, renewed two, and appointed Cotecna to strengthen operations in India, a country where several consignments have been flagged in recent years.
She also noted that in the past five years, CRIA agents in India and China intercepted nearly 200 consignments that failed lab tests or lacked proper documentation.
Leveraging Tech to Track Shipments
To prevent rejected shipments from sneaking back into the country through illegal channels, NAFDAC has introduced a Ports Inspection Data Capture and Risk Management System (PIDCARMS). The digital tool is designed to track and verify the status of all regulated imports.
“We are determined to track what happens to rejected shipments in India and ensure they do not end up back in Nigeria illegally,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
Industry and International Support
Lena Sodergren, Vice President of Cotecna, praised the partnership and described Nigeria’s CRIA scheme as the most comprehensive in Africa.
“This collaboration will greatly enhance public health safety by ensuring only certified products enter Nigeria,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Dr. Olakunle Olaniran, Director of NAFDAC’s Ports Inspection Directorate, emphasized the success of the CRIA system, stating that it has been instrumental in intercepting dangerous imports and protecting Nigerian lives.
“We remain committed to ensuring that only quality medicines are allowed into the country,” he affirmed.
SIDEBAR
How to Spot Fake Medicines: A Consumer’s Guide
Even with tighter regulation, counterfeit drugs may still circulate. Here's how you can stay safe:
1. Examine the Packaging
Poor-quality print, grammatical errors, or broken seals are red flags.
Authentic drugs come in professionally sealed packaging.
2. Verify the NAFDAC Number
Check for a valid NAFDAC number and verify it via:nafdac.gov.ng
SMS the number to 38353
3. Inspect Expiry Dates
Watch out for altered or tampered dates.
4. Be Wary of Cheap Prices
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Buy from Trusted Pharmacies
Avoid open markets or street vendors. Stick to licensed pharmacies.
6. Report Suspicious Products
Call NAFDAC: 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322)
Email: nafdac@nafdac.gov.ng
Your vigilance could save a life.
