NAFDAC partners NCTC to tackle drug counterfeit, others

NAFDAC partners NCTC to tackle drug counterfeit, others

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre have renewed their commitment to combat the menace of drug abuse, misuse of chemicals, and alcoholism, which have been traced as major contributors to acts of terrorism.

The collaboration which aims to leverage NAFDAC’s expertise to support the NCTC’s operations, including forensic, toxicology, and DNA analysis was unveiled in a circular on NAFDAC’s social handle.

Extracts from the statement read, “NAFDAC is ready to partner with the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) to combat drug counterfeiting, unauthorised handling of chemicals, and terrorism. The collaboration aims to leverage NAFDAC’s expertise to support the NCTC’s operations, including forensic, toxicology, and DNA analysis.”

The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, according to the statement emphasised the importance of the alliance during a meeting with the NCTC Coordinator, Major-General Adamu Laka.

Adeyeye in the statement emphasised that “the NAFDAC’s efforts to regulate and control drug quality, underpinned by WHO’s Maturity Level 3 accreditation, are critical to national security.

“The partnership is expected to bolster NAFDAC’s enforcement capabilities, ensuring stricter compliance and monitoring of pharmaceutical and chemical products.”

She, however, expressed gratitude for the NCTC’s role in reinstating NAFDAC’s presence at the ports, which has been pivotal in curbing the influx of illicit drugs and chemicals into Nigeria.