The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged stakeholders in Niger State to utilize the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Registration Scheme. Kenneth Azikwe, North Central Zone Director of NAFDAC, made this appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting in Minna, emphasizing the scheme’s benefits for low-risk food products.

Azikwe explained that the MSME Registration Scheme allows businesses to register their products with minimal facilities while ensuring safety standards are met. He also encouraged stakeholders to report adverse drug reactions using the Net Safety App, a platform that enables users to report concerns about drugs and other regulated products. This, he said, would facilitate prompt investigations and necessary actions, such as withdrawing harmful products from the market.

In addition, Azikwe promoted the Green Book app, a database of registered products, to help stakeholders verify the authenticity of drugs and other regulated items. He also appealed to those in the agrochemical and chemical sectors to obtain necessary licenses and certifications, which would enable NAFDAC to effectively control the use of chemicals.

The meeting, attended by various stakeholders including the Agro-Chemical Association, the Industrial Pharmacy Section of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Supermarket Owners Association, aimed to foster open dialogue and collaboration. State Coordinator James Kigbu appreciated the diverse group of stakeholders for their participation, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance, safety, and responsible business practices.

Stakeholders commended NAFDAC for organizing the meeting but requested a review of registration fees, which they deemed too high. Other attendees included representatives from the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Islamic Medicine and Prophetic Medicine Association, and the National Association of Environmental Health Officers of Nigeria.

The MSME Registration Scheme and stakeholder engagement are part of NAFDAC’s efforts to promote regulatory compliance and ensure the safety of food and drug products in Nigeria. By encouraging businesses to register their products and report adverse reactions, NAFDAC aims to protect public health and support the growth of the MSME sector. As stakeholders continue to engage with NAFDAC, the agency is likely to refine its policies and procedures to address concerns and promote a safer, more compliant business environment.