NAFDAC reforms boost local drug production, attract investors, says DG

The Director-General of Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has emphasized the positive impact of the agency's regulatory reforms on the domestic production of health products and investment in the sector. Adeyeye made these remarks while addressing the Invest Nigeria Conference & Expo 4.0 in Lagos, where she outlined the agency's regulatory measures and the gains recorded in local manufacturing and investment.

NAFDAC's sustained Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status, the highest benchmarking rating in Africa, and Nigeria's full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) were highlighted as key factors contributing to investor confidence. The agency's 5+5 Policy and Ceiling List have also played a significant role in boosting contract manufacturing and local production.

The number of contract manufacturing partnerships grew from 10 in 2019 to 87 in 2025, 176 facility layout reviews have been approved, and over 70% of products under these directives are now locally manufactured.

Moreover, there has been an increase in foreign direct investment in the sector, with partnerships involving companies from Asia and the Middle East. Adeyeye also mentioned the Presidential Executive Order on Local Production as reinforcing NAFDAC's regulatory framework. She called on stakeholders to maintain their collaboration with the agency, reaffirming NAFDAC's commitment to creating a market-friendly regulatory environment that safeguards public health while promoting investment and advancing Nigeria's domestic production capacity.