NAFDAC Green Book: Enhancing Drug Safety in Nigeria

In a significant move towards ensuring the safety and authenticity of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has introduced a groundbreaking database. The initiative, known as the “NAFDAC Green Book,” aims to provide a comprehensive list of registered and certified drugs available for sale and distribution in the country. This report explores the key details of this development and its implications for drug verification and consumer safety. You can visit the NAFDAC Green Book website here.

Unveiling the NAFDAC Green Book

Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, officially presented the “NAFDAC Green Book” during a media briefing held in Abuja. This database comprises an extensive list of 6,432 registered pharmaceutical products, offering transparency and accessibility to both stakeholders and the general public. Adeyeye emphasized that the database would be accessible for public verification starting January 2024. You can visit the NAFDAC Green Book website here.

Combating the Proliferation of Counterfeit Drugs

Adeyeye highlighted NAFDAC’s commitment to eradicating the menace of fake drugs in Nigeria. She disclosed that the agency had taken a decisive step by destroying 135 truckloads of fake, counterfeit, and spurious products. These products, voluntarily submitted by stakeholders, amounted to an estimated street value of approximately N16 billion.

The battle against counterfeit drugs extended to various regions, with NAFDAC conducting raids in nine states across the south-east and south-south. Notably, the agency successfully recovered counterfeit Diageo products valued at over N38 million during these operations. Additional raids in Abuja and Lagos resulted in the seizure of counterfeited products exceeding N200 million in worth.

Root Causes and NAFDAC’s Future Initiatives

Addressing Economic Factors

Adeyeye attributed the surge in fake drug production to the challenges posed by a struggling economy. The economic downturn has inadvertently fueled the production and sale of substandard pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. NAFDAC, recognizing the correlation between economic challenges and counterfeit drugs, is actively working on strategies to curb this trend.

Phasing Out Alcohol in Sachet and Harmful Insecticides

Looking ahead, NAFDAC has outlined plans to phase out the production and sale of alcohol in sachet form by the end of January 2024. Additionally, the agency is implementing a gradual phase-out of certain harmful insecticides and pesticides. These measures align with NAFDAC’s broader mission of safeguarding public health and well-being.

NAFDAC’s Ongoing Commitment to Consumer Safety

In conclusion, the launch of the NAFDAC Green Book marks a pivotal moment in the efforts to enhance drug safety in Nigeria. The comprehensive database, coupled with the agency’s proactive measures against counterfeit products, reflects NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the authenticity and quality of pharmaceuticals in the country. As the public gains access to the NAFDAC Green Book for drug verification, a new era of transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical sector is set to unfold.

Stay informed and empowered with the latest updates on drug safety by exploring the NAFDAC website and following their official Twitter account.