NAFDAC Partners with NCTC to Combat Counterfeit Drugs and Chemical Threats

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Centre to tackle the growing menace of counterfeit drugs and chemical threats in Nigeria.

This collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was announced by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement released on Friday.

The National Counter Terrorism Centre operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser and plays a critical role in Nigeria’s security framework.

The MoU between NAFDAC and the Centre is part of the broader National Action Plan aimed at preventing the distribution of pharmaceuticals and chemicals that could be exploited for criminal activities, including terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent extremism.

Professor Adeyeye highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing the severe public health and security risks posed by counterfeit drugs and hazardous chemicals.

She noted that the collaboration is crucial in reducing mortality rates, particularly among the youth, who are often the most vulnerable to the dangers of counterfeit and substandard medications.

“The signing of this MoU marks a significant step in our collective efforts to safeguard public health and national security,” Professor Adeyeye stated.

“By pooling our resources and expertise, we can better manage the threats posed by hazardous chemicals and prevent their misuse by non-state actors, including those seeking to develop weapons of mass destruction.”

The agreement focuses on several key areas, including the identification, monitoring, and control of potentially dangerous chemicals that could be used for malicious purposes.

This includes preventing these substances from falling into the hands of terrorists and criminal groups who may exploit them to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or other forms of weaponry.

By strengthening the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms, NAFDAC and the National Counter Terrorism Centre aim to ensure that hazardous chemicals are used only for legitimate purposes and are kept out of the illicit supply chain.

The collaboration also seeks to enhance information sharing and joint operational efforts between the two agencies.

This will involve coordinated inspections, surveillance, and enforcement actions aimed at identifying and shutting down illegal operations involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs and chemicals.

Additionally, the partnership will focus on capacity building and training for personnel, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively tackle the complex challenges posed by these threats.

Adamu-Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, expressed confidence that the MoU would significantly bolster Nigeria’s ability to combat criminal activities linked to counterfeit drugs and chemical misuse.

He emphasised that the partnership represents a united front against the multifaceted challenges of terrorism and organised crime.

“By combining our efforts and forging a united front against terrorism, we are better equipped to confront this multifaceted challenge and uphold the safety and security of our country,” Laka said.

He added that the partnership underscores the importance of a collaborative approach in addressing national security threats, as no single agency can effectively tackle these issues in isolation.

The MoU also aligns with international best practices and reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts in combating the proliferation of counterfeit medicines and chemical weapons.

NAFDAC’s involvement in this partnership demonstrates the agency’s broader role beyond its traditional regulatory functions, expanding its mandate to include critical national security considerations.

This partnership is expected to have a far-reaching impact, not only in reducing the availability of counterfeit drugs but also in addressing the broader implications of chemical security.

By ensuring that potentially harmful substances are properly regulated and controlled, the collaboration aims to protect public health, reduce the risk of chemical incidents, and enhance overall national security.

Furthermore, the MoU signifies a proactive approach by the Nigerian government to address the root causes of insecurity and criminality, focusing on the control of materials that can be used in violent acts.

As the partnership evolves, it is anticipated that more innovative strategies and initiatives will be developed to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against the threats posed by counterfeit drugs and hazardous chemicals.

Overall, the NAFDAC and National Counter Terrorism Centre partnership represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against counterfeit drugs, chemical threats, and the broader challenges of terrorism and violent extremism.

Through coordinated efforts, robust regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to public safety, the agencies aim to create a safer environment for all Nigerians.