The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its Yaba Laboratory as the Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the director-general of NAFDAC, announced this groundbreaking development, underscoring its immense importance in upholding the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products. The confirmation of the laboratory’s pre-qualification status by the WHO pre-qualification inspection team on September 15 marked a pivotal moment, with the official publication of this success on the WHO website.

Adeyeye underscored the significance of this achievement, highlighting the numerous benefits it brings to the CDCL, NAFDAC, and, most importantly, to the people of Nigeria. These include global recognition, bolstered pharmaceutical quality, international collaboration, and advancements in public health. Furthermore, the recognition promises to streamline regulatory processes, enhance credibility, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Emphasizing the magnitude of this feat, the NAFDAC boss remarked, “This is a monumental achievement for the agency and Nigeria at large. Only a select few laboratories worldwide have attained the prestigious status of WHO prequalification. Our journey towards this milestone commenced in 2010, and through renewed efforts and unwavering commitment in the past four years, we have finally realized this objective. The WHO pre-qualification of the CDCL stands as a testament to NAFDAC’s steadfast dedication to meeting international standards of excellence in drug quality control and regulation.”

Adeyeye attributed this triumph to the relentless efforts, dedication, and unwavering support of the health minister, NAFDAC management, CDCL employees, and other key collaborators, including the Global Fund, WHO Nigeria country office, and USP PQM + Nigeria country office.

The approval of the NAFDAC Yaba Laboratory as the CDCL by the WHO heralds a new chapter in advancing pharmaceutical quality control and regulation in Nigeria, underscoring the nation’s commitment to global standards of excellence in healthcare and drug control.