The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken steps in 2024 to safeguard public health, including the withdrawal of 40 pharmaceutical products by market authorization holders, the cancellation of four drugs, and the ban of harmful food and dietary items.
The agency has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding public health by intensifying the regulation and oversight of drugs, food, and other consumables in Nigeria.
Through recalls, withdrawals, cancellations, and bans, the agency took decisive steps to eliminate substandard, contaminated, or harmful products from the market.
To ensure long-term impact, NAFDAC has emphasized stricter compliance requirements for manufacturers, including robust quality control measures and transparent supply chains.
NAFDAC issued multiple public alerts this year, emphasize the breadth of its oversight and regulatory interventions:
Following reports of severe adverse drug reactions, NAFDAC recalled this antibiotic indicated for treating bacterial infections, emphasizing the critical need for safety in essential medicines, and alerted the public on the 3rd of December 2024 because an adverse reaction to drugs may be life-threatening.
On November 26, 2024, NAFDAC recalled these tablets, manufactured by an American pharmaceutical company, Rubicon Research Private Ltd.
The company recalled the affected drug due to contamination, dirty, and discolored tablets. Acetazolamide is a diuretic used in the treatment of swelling caused by heart disease.
The use of contaminated drugs can result in potential poisoning and treatment failures for patients with glaucoma and epilepsy.
Abnormal colour complaints led to the recall of this vitamin supplement injection; it was initiated by the manufacturer following received customer complaints. The drug was recalled by NAFDAC safeguarding patients. On November 26, the agency alerted the public.
Ban on Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): NAFDAC supported the global ban on BVO, a substance linked to thyroid damage and central nervous system risks. The prohibition aligns Nigeria with international food safety standards.
It has been shown to pose toxic risks to the thyroid and cause other chronic health problems. The rule of the ban was effective from August 2, 2024.
The agency said it is important to note that Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is not used in Nigeria or many other countries due to its potential health risks.
Weight Loss Products with Banned Substances: The agency warned against detox slimming sachets, products were discovered to contain banned medicinal substances of sibutramine and sennosides associated with severe cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
Here is the list of the 40 withdrawn drugs and 4 canceled products as per NAFDAC’s 2024 regulatory actions:
Withdrawn drugs
NAFDAC stated that the withdrawals were primarily initiated by Market Authorization Holders, who cited challenges such as supply chain issues, regulatory changes, and evolving market dynamics.
The cancellations, on the other hand, were based on non-compliance with safety and efficacy standards.