The Nigerian government has issued a directive requiring all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to exclusively procure needles and syringes from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.
This directive was issued through a circular addressed to all CMDs and MDs and was signed by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, on Friday.
Dr. Alausa stated that the objective of the directive is to enhance domestic production and safeguard the country’s manufacturing sector against the influx of foreign products.
Additionally, the circular tasks NAFDAC with ceasing the issuance of licenses for the importation of foreign-manufactured needles and syringes.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the challenges faced by local pharmaceutical industries producing needles and syringes, attributing their difficulties to the influx of largely substandard foreign goods. He noted that out of the nine local pharmaceutical companies manufacturing these products eight years ago, six have since ceased operations due to this practice.
In response to the situation, Dr. Alausa revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed decisive action to address the issue.
Consequently, NAFDAC has been instructed to halt the issuance of importation licenses for foreign needles and syringes. Moreover, companies engaged in such importation activities will be delisted moving forward.
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