The Bauchi State office of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its efforts to uphold breastfeeding practices and curb the unregulated promotion of formula and other breast milk substitutes. The announcement came during a press briefing by Hamis Yahya, the agency’s state coordinator, to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week.
Yahya reaffirmed NAFDAC’s role in enforcing compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS Code), to which Nigeria is a signatory. He stressed the agency’s focus on ensuring infants receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by nutritionally appropriate complementary foods. “Breast milk is irreplaceable. It provides antibodies, supports brain development, and meets all nutritional needs during this critical period,” he said, highlighting colostrum—the nutrient-rich first milk—as essential for strengthening immunity against childhood diseases.
The coordinator also outlined broader health benefits for mothers, including reduced postpartum bleeding, quicker recovery, and natural child spacing through lactation’s contraceptive effects. He cautioned against formula use in low-resource settings, where contaminated water and poor sanitation heighten risks of infection.
NAFDAC’s strategy combines advocacy with stringent oversight. Teams conduct regular inspections at hospitals, pharmacies, supermarkets, and orphanages to prevent violations of the BMS Code, which prohibits tactics like distributing free samples, branded gifts, or promotional materials targeting caregivers or healthcare workers. Yahya condemned such practices as deceptive, noting they falsely imply formula rivals breast milk’s benefits. “These marketing ploys endanger infants and undermine maternal health efforts,” he added.
Violators now face legal consequences, as Nigeria has fully codified the BMS Code into national law. Penalties apply to manufacturers, distributors, and even healthcare facilities found noncompliant. Concurrently, NAFDAC is backing initiatives to create breastfeeding-friendly environments in workplaces and public spaces, aiming to normalize and support nursing mothers.
To amplify its message, the Bauchi office plans a statewide media campaign across radio, television, and print platforms. The push aligns with global health guidelines emphasizing breastfeeding’s role in reducing child mortality and malnutrition—a priority in regions where access to clean water and healthcare remains uneven.
Yahya’s remarks underscore a tightening regulatory landscape as Nigerian authorities seek to align local health practices with international standards, balancing public education with enforcement to safeguard maternal and infant well-being.
