NAFDAC, FCCPC pledge stronger enforcement against unsafe products, unfair practices

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have renewed their commitment to strengthening consumer protection and enforcing stricter measures against unsafe products and unfair market practices in Nigeria.

Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, gave the assurance on Wednesday during the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both agencies at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Adeyeye commended the leadership of the Commission, describing its Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, as responsive and deeply committed to consumer welfare.

 

 

She said her recent engagements with the FCCPC leadership reflected the urgency and seriousness required in addressing consumer complaints and market abuses.

 

 

The NAFDAC boss recalled instances where complaints she raised with the FCCPC chairman received immediate attention, leading to swift corrective actions by the businesses involved.

 

 

“That is the way it is supposed to be,” she said, stressing that Nigerian consumers deserve the same level of protection enjoyed in other parts of the world.

 

 

Adeyeye noted that the renewed agreement would strengthen collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding consumers while ensuring the safety, quality and efficacy of regulated products across the country.

 

 

Although NAFDAC’s mandate primarily focuses on products, she emphasized that the ultimate objective remains the protection of consumers who use them.

 

 

“It is people that use those products, and that is where the consumer comes in. Consumers have the right to complain so that NAFDAC’s work can be effective,” she said

 

 

She also stressed that partnerships between government institutions must go beyond ceremonial agreements, insisting that memoranda of understanding are only meaningful when backed by practical implementation and measurable outcomes.

 

 

Speaking earlier, Bello said the renewed MoU would improve coordination between the FCCPC and NAFDAC in areas where consumer protection and product safety responsibilities overlap.

 

 

He explained that while the FCCPC protects consumers against unfair, deceptive and exploitative business practices, NAFDAC regulates the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, medical devices and other regulated products.

 

 

According to him, the partnership would facilitate better information sharing, faster complaint resolution, joint investigations and stronger technical collaboration between both agencies.

 

 

“For consumers, the benefits are clear. There will be more straightforward pathways for lodging complaints, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are not met,” Bello said.

 

 

He added that effective regulation remains critical to strengthening market confidence, encouraging fair competition and protecting public interest.

 

 

Bello, however, noted that the success of the renewed agreement would depend largely on sustained implementation and regular review of established systems.

 

 

“The real task lies in implementation. The systems established here must be used actively, reviewed regularly and strengthened where necessary,” he noted

 

 

He reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to working closely with NAFDAC and other regulatory institutions to promote fair, transparent and efficient markets across Nigeria.