The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, has charged all pharmaceutical firms and healthcare providers to prioritise the use of approved generic drugs.
During a press briefing held on Thursday in Lagos, the NAFDAC boss, Adeyeye, reiterated the commitment of the anti-drug agency to ensuring the efficacy of generic medicines in Nigeria, which aligns with protecting lives.
According to her, the aim of the initiative is to prevent the circulation of substandard drugs and enhance the quality of medicines.
She said, “By mandating bioequivalence studies, NAFDAC is strengthening its regulatory framework to safeguard public health.
“This measure not only enhances trust in the pharmaceutical industry but also encourages rational prescribing practices.”
She said the agency has set out a clear roadmap, including new guidelines and a “Note to Industry” available on NAFDAC’s website.
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The note outlines requirements for Contract Research Organisations (CROs).
To support implementation, NAFDAC is training its staff and key industry players, including healthcare workers and researchers, on bioequivalence studies.
Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to high scientific standards and urged stakeholders to support its efforts.
She said the briefing is part of wider engagement to strengthen Nigeria’s drug regulation system.
