The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has declared that it is set to register and certify premises of chemical manufacturers in order to boost the nation’s economy.
A statement signed on Sunday by the Agency’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, stated that the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a virtual stakeholders’ meeting with chemical manufacturers.
Adeyeye said that it also advocates for use of chemicals that are less harmful and hazardous, adding that a portal had been created by the agency for registration of chemical products for strict adherence to international best practices.
She said, “Chemicals no doubt play a pivotal role in the economic development of any country, Nigeria as an economy in transition has many needs of chemicals for her numerous industries.
“Some of these chemicals are now manufactured in the country and this creates an environment of heightened concern that NAFDAC is expected to play a leading role in strengthening chemical safety and security.
“The NAFDAC Act empowers the agency to undertake appropriate investigations into production premises and raw materials for food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water and chemicals.
“The Act also empowered the agency to establish relevant quality assurance systems, including certificates of the production sites and of the regulated products.”
Adeyeye said that the law also compels all handlers of chemicals to adhere strictly to all the stipulated guidelines for sound chemical management in order to safeguard the health and protect the environment.
NAN/THE PUNCH