NAFDAC deploys 600 pharmacists to combat fake drugs in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated the Pharmacists Reserve Volunteer Programme (PRVP), a national initiative involving 600 pharmacists. The program aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to combat substandard and falsified medicines and unwholesome food by extending regulatory reach beyond laboratories and ports of entry.

The volunteers, representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, will support activities including pharmacovigilance, post-market surveillance, quality assurance, compliance monitoring, data gathering, and public sensitization. The initiative is designed to provide a pool of trained personnel capable of responding to product recalls and public health emergencies, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.

NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized that regulation must extend to markets, pharmacies, and primary healthcare centers to protect the nation’s population of over 200 million. She urged the volunteers to maintain high levels of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality during their duties.