President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for successfully retaining its World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status for the regulation of medicines and vaccines.
NAFDAC was re-evaluated by the WHO between May 28 and May 30, 2025. The WHO’s assessment confirmed that NAFDAC continues to operate a “stable, well-functioning, and integrated framework” for drug and vaccine regulation. This achievement was credited to the Nigerian government’s investment in strengthening its regulatory system.
NAFDAC initially achieved ML3 status in 2022, becoming the first regulatory authority in Africa to do so for non-producing medicines and vaccines. The WHO conducts periodic reviews to ensure that these standards are consistently met.
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The latest evaluation followed a formal re-benchmarking in November 2024 and several institutional development plan reviews from February to April 2025. Tinubu praised the professionalism and dedication of NAFDAC’s management and staff, stating that this accomplishment strengthens Nigeria’s position as a reliable partner in global health security and pandemic preparedness.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines and vaccines in Nigeria, aligning with the healthcare goals of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He also highlighted key initiatives under his administration, including the upgrading of over 17,000 primary health centres, improving maternal care, training 120,000 frontline health workers, and doubling national health insurance coverage.
Promoting local production of healthcare products remains a priority for the government.
Tinubu pledged to continue supporting NAFDAC as it works toward achieving WHO Maturity Level 4, the highest global standard for regulatory excellence.
