The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed alarm over the diminished demand for domestically manufactured medical syringes, citing a negative impact on local production.
The agency disclosed the discovery of over 1.5 billion unsold units of syringes in a single local factory, emphasizing the adverse consequences of the nation’s preference for importing these medical essentials.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, conveyed disappointment at the situation, asserting that the quality of facilities in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical companies is on par with those in the United States and European countries.
She urged the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) to take action to curb the importation of syringes and prioritize national interests over personal gains in their roles as clearing agents at the nation’s ports.
During a meeting with the newly inaugurated executives of ANLCA, Adeyeye highlighted the comparable standards of facilities in Nigeria to those abroad but expressed concern over the excess unsold products due to low sales and the influx of imported syringes, despite high import duties aimed at protecting the local market.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has engaged in discussions with needles and syringes manufacturers in Nigeria to address the cost of producing pharmaceutical products. Presided over by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the meeting focused on reducing expenses associated with pharmaceutical products and medical supplies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
Dr. Alausa revealed that five companies in the country are dedicated to the production of needles and syringes. The discussions aimed to explore practical solutions for immediate implementation, contributing to an Executive Order directed by the President to address the issue in both the short and long term.
