NAFDAC Highlights Regulatory Reforms, Investment Gains

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has highlighted its regulatory reforms and growing investment opportunities in Nigeria’s health products sector.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, spoke at the Invest Nigeria Conference & Expo 4.0, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking on “The Roles of NAFDAC With Regards to Investments in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said the agency’s reforms have helped strengthen investor confidence, promote local manufacturing and improve Nigeria’s regulatory standing.

She highlighted NAFDAC’s sustained Maturity Level 3 status, describing it as the highest benchmarking rating currently attained by an African regulatory authority.

Adeyeye also pointed to Nigeria’s full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation, achieved in November 2025, as another milestone strengthening the country’s pharmaceutical regulatory environment.

She said the agency’s 5+5 Policy and Ceiling List have contributed to significant growth in contract manufacturing partnerships.

According to her, the number of companies involved in contract manufacturing increased from 10 in 2019 to 87 in 2025, while 176 facility layout reviews had been approved as of June 2026.

Adeyeye added that more than 70% of products covered by the two directives are now manufactured locally, reflecting increased domestic production capacity.

She said the reforms have also contributed to increased foreign direct investment, with joint ventures and technology-transfer arrangements involving companies from India, South Korea and Turkey.

The NAFDAC director-general said the Presidential Executive Order on Local Production has further strengthened the policy direction supporting domestic manufacturing and investment in the health products sector.

She called for continued collaboration between NAFDAC and industry stakeholders, stressing that effective regulation is critical to creating a predictable and investment-friendly business environment.

Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health while supporting investment, strengthening local manufacturing and expanding Nigeria’s capacity to produce quality health products locally.