Nigeria business groups oppose proposed NAFDAC regulatory bill

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Health Ministry have raised concerns regarding the proposed Food, Medical Products and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Bill, 2026.

Sponsored by Senator Umar Sadiq Suleiman, the bill seeks to repeal the Food, Drugs and Related Products Act, 2004, to establish a new regulatory framework. However, NECA has urged the National Assembly to exclude tobacco products from the legislation, arguing that they are already governed by the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, and the National Tobacco Control Regulations, 2019.

Critics warn that the bill could create institutional conflicts and overlapping responsibilities among NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, SON, and the Nigeria Customs Service. Potential consequences cited include duplicative product registration requirements, conflicting enforcement decisions, increased compliance costs, and general uncertainty for businesses.