The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says its recent regulatory reforms are helping to increase local manufacturing and investment in Nigeria’s health products sector.
The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said this at the Invest Nigeria Conference & Expo 4.0 organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Adeyeye, who spoke on “The Roles of NAFDAC with Regards to Investments in Nigeria,” said the agency’s work is aimed at making it easier for investors to operate while ensuring that products entering the Nigerian market meet required safety and quality standards.
Local Manufacturing Rises
According to Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s 5+5 Policy and Ceiling List have contributed to the growth of contract manufacturing in the country.
She said the number of companies involved in contract manufacturing rose from 10 in 2019 to 87 in 2025.
“Contract manufacturing has grown from 10 companies in 2019 to 87 in 2025,” Adeyeye said.
She added that 176 facility layout reviews had been approved as of June 2026, while more than 70 per cent of products covered by the two directives are now locally manufactured.
For NAFDAC, the figures point to a growing shift towards producing more health products within Nigeria rather than depending heavily on imports.
Reforms and Investor Confidence
Adeyeye also pointed to Nigeria’s continued Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status, describing it as an important part of efforts to build confidence in the country’s regulatory system.
She noted that Nigeria also became a full member of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) in November 2025, a development she said further strengthens the country’s pharmaceutical regulatory standing.
The NAFDAC boss said the reforms have also coincided with increased interest from foreign companies.
She cited joint ventures and technology transfer arrangements involving companies from India, South Korea and Turkey as examples of the investment coming into the sector.
Adeyeye also referenced the Presidential Executive Order on Local Production, saying it provides additional support for efforts to expand domestic manufacturing.
NAFDAC Seeks Stronger Industry Partnership
Adeyeye said continued cooperation between NAFDAC and investors would be important as Nigeria works to expand its local production capacity.
“We remain committed to a market-friendly regulatory environment that protects public health while enabling investment and advancing Nigeria’s domestic production capacity,” she said.
She encouraged stakeholders in the health products industry to continue working with the agency as it implements its regulatory reforms.
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