FCCPC, NAFDAC Sign MoU On Products Safety

In continuation of its commitment to consumers rights and protection, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on products safety and quality as well as efficacy of pharmaceuticals.

At the signing of the MoU in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello said the move would further strengthen collaboration between FCCPC and NAFDAC on regulations and control towards preventing consumers from being shortchanged by fraudulent manufacturers and producers in the country.

According to Mr Tunji Bello, FCCPC will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders in safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers.

“The mandate of the FCCPC and NAFDAC are clearly set out in law although their functions increasingly overlap in practice because FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or exploitative behaviour and also promotes competition, investigates complaints and enforces remedies where consumer welfare has been undermined while NAFDAC responsibilities are more product – specific among other regulations hence the need for this MoU” He stated

In his words “In reality, the work of both agencies often converges , issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods , unsafe pharmaceuticals and deceptive advertising raise questions that fall between both product safety and consumer protection “.

Mr Tunji Bello therefore commended the leadership and technical teams of both institutions whose efforts have made the agreement possible adding that it reflects a strong commitment to improving regulatory outcomes in the complex and evolving environment.

On her part, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye who commended FCCPC for its commitment in protecting the consumers promised the Agency’s support to the Commission towards actualizing its mandate.

Prof Mojisola Adeyeye who expressed concern over the attitude of some manufacturers and producers stressed the need for all hands to be on deck in the fight against fake and substandard products in the country.

Matthew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji