- Safiu Kehinde
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified its role, stressing that it is not targeting any individual or business.
Instead, NAFDAC aims to ensure compliance with regulations for public health and safety.
Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, Director in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Directorate of NAFDAC, made this known during a sensitisation programme organised for hotel operators across the Mararaba, Masaka, Nyanya, Karu, and Keffi areas.
According to report, the programme was jointly organised by NAFDAC’s Nasarawa office, also known as the “Greater FCT” office, in a bid to raise awareness among hoteliers regarding the agency’s regulatory functions.
Azikiwe explained that the main objective of the sensitisation was to inform hoteliers about NAFDAC’s role in regulating consumable products that were commonly used by hotels to serve their customers.
He noted that many hoteliers were familiar with the agency’s name but were unaware of its specific functions.
“NAFDAC is a Federal Government agency under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“It was established by Decree 15 of 1993 and amended by Decree 2004, Act CAP No 1, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Azikiwe stated.
According to him, NAFDAC is responsible for regulating the manufacture, export, import, advertisement, distribution, sales, and use of a variety of products, including packaged water, soft drinks, and food products.
He also mentioned that businesses involved in the manufacture or importation of these regulated products must obtain a pre-marketing authorisation number, commonly known as the NAFDAC number, to avoid disruptions in their operations.
Azikiwe further explained that distributors of NAFDAC-regulated products must possess a Goods Solid Practice (GSP) and Goods Solution Practice (GSP) verification document.
He also urged hoteliers using NAFDAC-regulated products to ensure they had a Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) certification, as the agency would regularly visit their establishments to verify compliance.
The director emphasised that GHP certification was granted by NAFDAC following an evaluation of the hotel’s food preparation process, ensuring that it met required safety and hygiene standards.
“It includes adhering to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles to prevent cross-contamination during food preparation.”
Azikiwe also addressed reports of some hotels refusing to allow NAFDAC inspectors onto their premises, citing jurisdictional concerns.
He clarified that any hotel serving NAFDAC-regulated products, such as packaged water or food items, fell under the agency’s jurisdiction.
“Additionally, NAFDAC inspects food storage areas within hotels to ensure proper hygiene practices are followed, and improper food packaging is considered a violation of the NAFDAC regulations,” he said.