THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is stepping up measures to curb the influx of substandard and counterfeit pharmaceuticals into Nigeria—particularly from China and India, the country’s top sources of drug imports.
During a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye highlighted the impact of the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) scheme in tightening regulatory oversight on imports from these nations.
China and India previously accounted for 70% of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical imports—a figure now reduced to 60% due to the agency’s drive to boost local manufacturing. Still, the flow of counterfeit and substandard medicines remains a serious concern.
“Because most of these drugs come from China and India, the CRIA scheme is operational in those two countries,” Adeyeye said. “It ensures only safe and quality products are cleared for export, preventing substandard and counterfeit goods from entering our markets.”
To enhance pre-shipment checks, NAFDAC has accredited CRIA agents in both countries. These agents are responsible for stringent inspections before any consignment is dispatched to Nigeria.
The agency is also partnering with COTECNA—a global provider of testing, inspection, and certification services—to further bolster quality control systems.
Adeyeye urged stakeholders to work closely with accredited CRIA agents before shipping pharmaceuticals to Nigeria.
“I strongly encourage stakeholders to liaise with CRIA agents in China, India, or Nigeria before sending any consignment. You may select from the list of authorised agents to ensure compliance and uphold product quality,” she said.
NAFDAC also launched a digital platform, the Port Inspection Data Capture and Risk Management System (PIDCARMS), aimed at improving document verification and inspection efficiency at Nigerian ports.
Despite these advancements, Adeyeye raised a critical concern: “What happens to the rejected shipments?” she asked. “Do they find their way back through illegal routes? This is a serious challenge we must address collectively with our CRIA partners abroad.”
To avoid regulatory breaches, stakeholders are encouraged to consult NAFDAC’s official website for updated guidelines on product registration, labeling, and shipment requirements.