NAFDAC decries staffing shortage, seeks increased workforce

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that the agency is significantly under-staffed.

At a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that the agency currently operates with only 2,000 staff, far below the 10,000 personnel it should have, given Nigeria’s population. She emphasized that the agency faces significant strain, working with limited resources to protect the health of Nigerians.

“We are not asking for 10,000 staff now; we are just asking for double or triple what we currently have,” Adeyeye said.

Looking ahead to 2025, Adeyeye outlined five strategic pillars that would guide NAFDAC’s operations. These include strong governance and leadership, maternal, newborn, and child health, institutionalizing best practices, ensuring safety and quality of regulated products, and monitoring the supply chain.

Reflecting on NAFDAC’s progress over the past seven years, Adeyeye acknowledged the agency’s achievements while stressing the need for further improvements. She highlighted NAFDAC’s commitment to unlocking the value chain and improving access to quality regulated products, particularly those for maternal and child health.

In 2025, the agency will prioritize the safety of maternal, newborn, and child health products, with a focus on preventing maternal deaths and reducing child morbidity. Special attention will be given to pediatric antimalarials, antibiotics, and the development of paediatric medicines, with the aim of achieving WHO prequalification.

Adeyeye emphasized that maintaining strong governance and leadership is crucial to keeping NAFDAC’s workforce motivated, disciplined, and well-trained.