NAFDAC has achieved full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), placing Nigeria among the world’s top drug-regulatory authorities.
The upgrade was confirmed after the ICH Assembly in Singapore on November 18–19, 2025, and announced by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
She described the milestone as historic, noting that it will improve access to quality medicines, strengthen drug safety standards, and boost the credibility of locally made pharmaceuticals.
Nigeria’s journey began in 2022 when NAFDAC applied for Observer status. After capacity-building, technical training, and hosting an international ICH workshop in Lagos in April 2025, the agency met all membership requirements.
With this advancement, Nigeria becomes the 24th country and one of only 25 national regulators worldwide to attain full membership.
NAFDAC says the new status will allow Nigeria to help shape global regulatory standards, accelerate access to new therapies, and expand opportunities for local pharmaceutical companies.
Prof. Adeyeye thanked staff and the Federal Government, adding that NAFDAC remains committed to implementing ICH guidelines and strengthening public health regulation.
