Severe staff shortage limiting our operations – NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that a critical staff shortage is hampering its ability to perform its regulatory duties effectively.

Speaking to journalists, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, highlighted the challenges posed by inadequate staffing. She explained that while NAFDAC is commonly associated with regulating substandard and falsified medicines, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) also plays a vital role, particularly in registering drug-selling sites and practitioners.

“PCN is responsible for registering drug-selling sites, whether a small kiosk or large shop, and also the practitioners. But both NAFDAC and PCN face staff shortages, which hinder our ability to reach every corner of the country,” Adeyeye stated.

Adeyeye emphasized the stark disparity in staffing levels compared to other nations. She noted that Indonesia, with a population of 280 million, has 20,000 staff in its regulatory agency, while Nigeria, with 220 million people, has only 2,000 staff at NAFDAC.

The Director-General urged the government to address the staffing issue to enable the agency to fulfill its mandate more efficiently.

On the ongoing labor union crisis within NAFDAC, Adeyeye clarified that the unions’ demands, including staff promotions, fall under the purview of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), not NAFDAC management.

She reiterated that the agency is working closely with PCN to address challenges but stressed that without sufficient personnel, their efforts remain limited.