NEPZA, NAFDAC Strengthen Joint Oversight of Pharmaceuticals in Free Zones By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have renewed their partnership to strengthen regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical products and consumables produced within Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
The renewed collaboration was sealed during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Adeyeye said the engagement was aimed at deepening cooperation between both agencies to ensure effective regulation of pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and other consumables manufactured, imported, or exported through the free zones.
She stressed the urgent need to protect Nigerians from counterfeit drugs and unsafe consumables finding their way into the markets through legal and illegal channels.
According to her, NAFDAC remains committed to enforcing strict compliance with approved standards and specifications to guarantee the quality and safety of regulated products across industries.
Prof. Adeyeye also acknowledged the critical role of the Free Trade Zone scheme in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, noting that stronger monitoring mechanisms were needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of products entering the customs territory from enterprises operating within the zones.
“NEPZA and NAFDAC can fix this misalignment by jointly insisting on compliance. We can close this gap through excellent facility management and improved inspection across the production lines,” she stated.
Responding, Dr. Ogunyemi welcomed NAFDAC’s proactive move to address concerns surrounding the quality of medical supplies and consumables produced within the zones.
He described the Free Trade Zone scheme — comprising 63 zones and more than 900 enterprises — as a major gateway for economic growth and industrial development, while admitting that effective regulation of operators within the zones remains challenging.
“We need a joint effort to address some of the irregularities. We will allow NAFDAC to perform its regulatory functions because the public’s health depends on it,” Ogunyemi said.
The NEPZA boss reiterated the Authority’s commitment to preventing the zones from becoming safe havens for illicit trade and substandard products, adding that the collaboration would enhance Nigeria’s compliance with global production and export standards.
As part of the resolutions reached, both agencies confirmed the establishment of an eight-member technical committee tasked with identifying and addressing barriers to the seamless implementation of their regulatory responsibilities within the Free Trade Zones.
The partnership is expected to strengthen consumer protection, improve product quality assurance, and boost confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and consumable exports.
