The call was made on Thursday at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja organised by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) in partnership with Public Eye, where new findings on sugar content in baby foods triggered widespread concern.

Public Eye’s research focused on Cerelac, Nestlé’s widely consumed infant cereal across Africa. Laboratory tests on nearly 100 samples purchased in over 20 African countries revealed that 94 per cent contained added sugar.

On average, products recorded about 6 grams of added sugar per serving equivalent to roughly one and a half sugar cubes with some markets reaching between 7 and 7.5 grams. Nigerian samples averaged 5 grams, with peaks of 6.1 grams.

The figures refer strictly to sugar added during manufacturing and exclude naturally occurring sugars present in ingredients such as grains, fruits and milk.

Nestlé however  maintained that its products comply with local regulations and are fortified to address nutritional deficiencies.

However, the company has not explained why sugar-free formulations are available in Europe while African markets receive variants containing added sugar.

Opening the session, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, CADEF’s executive director, stressed that the advocacy is not targeted at any single company but aimed at safeguarding children’s health and advancing a zero-added-sugar standard for infant foods in Nigeria.

“African babies are being fed sugar Europe would never accept,” she said, highlighting disparities in product formulations across regions.

Citing the findings, she noted that some cereal-based infant foods contain “over four grams, almost five grams of sugar,” but clarified that manufacturers are not breaching existing laws.

“They are complying with current regulations, which are based on Codex standards developed over 30 years ago,” she said, pointing to the outdated nature of the framework as the core issue.

She urged regulatory authorities to align national standards with current global health recommendations.

CADEF warned that early exposure to added sugars can shape children’s taste preferences and increase their risk of obesity, diabetes, dental disease and other non-communicable conditions later in life echoing guidance from the World Health Organization, which advises against added sugars in infant foods.

While acknowledging that existing sugar levels fall within Nigeria’s Codex-based standards, the organisation argued that the framework is no longer sufficient to protect infant nutrition.

It clarified that its concerns relate specifically to sugars deliberately added as sweeteners or enhancers, not naturally occurring sugars in raw ingredients.

Stakeholders at the meeting called on key regulators including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to review existing standards and enforce clearer, more transparent labelling requirements.

CADEF emphasised that parents deserve accurate, easy-to-understand information when making nutritional choices, noting that Nigerian consumers should enjoy the same level of product quality and protection available in other markets.

Among its recommendations is the introduction of mandatory front-of-pack labelling that clearly identifies and distinguishes sources of sugar, alongside policies to drive reformulation toward zero added sugar.

“We need front-of-pack labelling in simple language that separates the source of sugar on each product,” Ndukwe-Okafor said, adding that regulators and paediatric stakeholders expressed support for reform.

Also speaking, Adeyemo Adebayo of the Nutrition Division at the Federal Ministry of Health stressed that policy reforms must be complemented by sustained public advocacy to achieve meaningful impact.

He called for broader health education efforts beyond formal legislation, including engagement with traditional and religious leaders to drive grassroots awareness that infants do not require added sugar.

Jubril Mohammed, representing the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, said the agency’s role is to facilitate consensus-driven standards rather than impose unilateral decisions.

He noted that proposals such as eliminating added sugar must be backed by evidence and stakeholder agreement, adding that review processes can take up to a year.

He, however, expressed the agency’s willingness to collaborate with CADEF.

From a clinical perspective, Dr. Anthony Bawa, representing the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), called for stronger multi-sector collaboration involving academia, health institutions and lawmakers to address the risks associated with added sugars in infant diets.

He emphasised the importance of National Assembly involvement in enacting effective legislation to protect children’s health.

The meeting also highlighted international precedents. In India, sustained advocacy and regulatory pressure have compelled manufacturers to introduce multiple no-added-sugar variants of infant foods, demonstrating that reform is achievable.

As interim guidance, advocates urged parents to limit processed foods, avoid sugary drinks and sweets for young children, and prioritise natural options such as fruits.

“Don’t give children soft drinks. Don’t give them sweets,” Ndukwe-Okafor advised, recommending healthier alternatives like bananas and mangoes.

The coalition said it will engage senior policymakers and the National Assembly to push for stricter regulations, including a zero-added-sugar benchmark for infant foods in Nigeria.

Stakeholders agreed that a combination of regulatory reform, industry accountability and consumer education will be critical to safeguarding infant health and securing a healthier future.

The same products come with zero added sugar in Germany, and the UK, among other leading countries.

The report, which was carried out by Public Eye, a Swiss-based NGO, and supported in Nigeria by the Corporate Accountability and Development Foundation (CADEF), shows that the majority of Nestlé Cerelac products sold in African markets contain added sugar.

The report stated that Nigeria is the leading African market for the Company as Nestlé earns $55 million in annual sales from Nigeria, and Nestle Cerelac is the most popular baby cereal brand in the country.

From the research findings, out of the eight different Cerelac baby cereals on sale in Nigeria, five of the products come with added sugar; the remaining three Cerelac products with no added sugar were imported products from Europe and not intended by Nestlé for the Nigerian market.

The laboratory analysis found an average of five grams of added sugar per serving, more than a sugar cube. The highest amount 6.1 grams of added sugar per serving was found in the Cerelac maize variant, intended for babies from six months onwards.

The amount of sugar added by Nestlé to its Cerelac products sold in Nigeria is under the thresholds set by the national legislation, which is based on the standard set by CODEX, that allows up to 20% sugar in infant cereals.

Reacting to the findings of the research, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, the executive director of CADEF, in a media parley held at the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, condemned the deliberate act, saying the African babies are being fed with sugary baby foods which Europe would never accept.

“This is not a mistake; this is intentional. Nestlé knows that added sugar is unnecessary for babies, and they formulate sugar-free products for Europe. So why are African babies given one to two cubes of sugar per serving? This is a dangerous double standard,” Prof. Ndukwe-Okafor stated.

Speaking further, she enumerated the various health effects of early exposure of African babies to sugary products, as she says that it promotes obesity, dental decay, diabetes, and lifelong exposure to sweetened foods.

“Consumers are clear. We want zero added sugar in baby foods. There is absolutely no justification for added sugar when natural sugars already exist in the ingredients,”  she further added.

Also speaking at the event, Laurent Gaberell, Public Eye’s Food System researcher, said that Lab research has exposed hidden sugar levels as they are not declared on the products’ labels, adding that,

“What is alarming is that Nestlé does not declare added sugar on labels. Consumers cannot know. Only laboratory testing reveals the truth.”

He further called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)  and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), among other regulators, to strive for food systems reforms in Nigeria, stating that:

“The Codex standards used worldwide, including in Nigeria, allow up to 30% added sugar in infant cereals. That is outdated and not supported by scientific evidence. It must be revised urgently.” 

Responding to inquiries raised at the event, Dr. Ifeoma Okafor of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said that compliance is determined by the CODEX standard and that Nigeria doesn’t accept lower nutritional infant products.

“Compliance is determined by CODEX. Differences in formulation across regions do not automatically mean violation. Nigeria does not accept lower nutritional quality because we are a developing country,” she revealed

Dr. Okafor further added that NAFDAC carries out laboratory analysis tests before registering products and that they are continuously ensuring quality control, compliance, and monitoring.

Udo Dan-Ufomadu, a regulatory officer at NAFDAC, hinted that from January 2026, the Agency will enforce mandatory labeling of added sugars on all pre-packaged foods and products in order to ensure quality adherence by the various food brands.

“The regulation was gazetted in 2022, and enforcement begins in January. Companies are aware. We will also introduce front-of-pack labeling so consumers can easily identify high sugar, salt, and fat,” Dan-Ufomadu stated.

Meanwhile, Nestlé Nigeria has refuted the research findings and said that the infant products sold in Nigeria do not contain higher levels of sugar, thereby branding the report as misleading and and scientifically inaccurate.

“We disagree with the Public Eye report. Our infant cereal products sold in Africa do not contain higher levels of added sugars. It is misleading and scientifically inaccurate to refer to the sugars coming from cereals and naturally present in fruits as refined sugars added to the products,” .

This milestone marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, with the goal of improving Government-to-Citizen (G2C) interactions and enabling easier access to government services.

The Government Service Portal is a unified digital platform designed to enhance the delivery of public services by providing a seamless, secure, and accessible portal where citizens can interact with multiple government agencies.

Through this portal, citizens can access critical services such as NIN Registration, Immigration Services, healthcare services, and more—with little or no need to visit to physical offices.

Galaxy Backbone, a leading digital infrastructure and services provider for the Nigerian public sector, has played a pivotal role in championing e-government and  in designing and deploying the GSP.

Through its partnership with KOICA, Galaxy Backbone has ensured that the platform leverages the latest technologies, prioritizing user experience, accessibility, and cybersecurity.

KOICA has provided technical expertise, capacity-building support, and funding for the development of the portal, underscoring the shared commitment to Nigeria’s e-government strategy.

Key Highlights of the Government Service Portal:

Accelerating Digital Transformation: The GSP supports the Federal Government’s commitment to digitize public services, enabling more efficient governance and ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, can access essential services.

Improving Government-to-Citizen Engagement: By reducing the need for face-to-face interactions and offering real-time service tracking, the portal fosters a more transparent and responsive government, enhancing citizens’ trust in public institutions.

Secure and Accessible Services: The GSP is designed with robust cybersecurity features, ensuring that citizens’ data remains protected.

It is also mobile-friendly and accessible in multiple languages, making it easy for citizens from all parts of Nigeria to interact with government services online.

KOICA’s Role:

KOICA has provided strategic support, leveraging its expertise in e-governance and technology-driven public service delivery.

KOICA’s involvement ensures that the GSP aligns with international best practices and benefits from the lessons learned in similar successful projects globally.

Engagement Workshop with 12 Pilot Agencies:
The engagement workshop, which took place today, brought together senior officials from 12 pilot government agencies, including FMCIDE, NIMC, SMEDAN, NCC, NIPOST, FRSC, NAFDAC, NYSC, NPF, NIS, BPP and NEPC.

The goal of the workshop was to familiarize these agencies with the GSP’s features, capabilities, and integration process, and to ensure seamless service delivery as the portal goes live.

Speaking at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, who represented the Honourable Minister, highlighted the significance of this project and the need deepened collaboration and deeper citizen engagement. ‘The Government Service Portal has the potential to change lives and I believe that through and efficient and effective collaboration we will achieve a lot for our nation’.  Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanyu, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, emphasized the significance of this initiative in transforming how government services are delivered to Nigerians. He noted:

“The Government Service Portal is a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to embracing digitalisation for improved governance. Galaxy Backbone is proud to lead this initiative, working alongside KOICA to make public services more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all. With the engagement of these pilot agencies, we are taking a major step toward a fully digitized public service ecosystem that will benefit every Nigerian citizen.”

From KOICA’s side, the Country Director, Mr. Sunjil SON, expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s journey toward an inclusive digital economy, stating:

“KOICA is delighted to partner with Galaxy Backbone and the Government of Nigeria in delivering a platform that will change how citizens interact with their government. This initiative aligns with our broader mission of promoting sustainable development through technology and innovation.”

Looking Ahead:

According to the statement signed by Mr. Chidi Okpala, head, Media & Corporate Communications at GBB, the successful integration of the 12 pilot agencies is a precursor to a broader rollout of the GSP across all government ministries, departments, and agencies.

This initiative will serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s e-government strategy, reducing delays, improving transparency, and empowering citizens to engage more effectively with their government.

A statement published on its X handle said the recall was due to the presence of a chemical impurity.

NAFDAC said the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation by containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional, also known as Lilial, a chemical associated with serious health risks.

The agency explained that BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products because it can harm the reproductive system and potentially affect the health of unborn children.

It added that the chemical has been linked to skin sensitisation, triggering allergic reactions in some users.

The statement read, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting the public about the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to chemical impurity.

“The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risks of reproductive harm, danger to unborn children, and potential for causing skin sensitization. Several regulatory authorities in the EU have already banned its marketing.”

Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash and invisible dry.

The agency said the soaps are not on its database.

NAFDAC urged the public to be cautious and vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the products.

It said, “Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.

“These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

NAFDAC also urged health experts to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to its nearest office.

The statement added, “Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”

The European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX) flagged the product, “Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion,” for exceeding the allowable limit of Kojic Acid.

Kojic Acid is a common ingredient in lightening creams, but high concentrations can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) established a 1% maximum concentration for Kojic Acid in cosmetic products.

While the specific Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion is not registered with NAFDAC but is available in Nigeria, the agency urges caution. NAFDAC advises importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to be vigilant and avoid the product if encountered.

“The product authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

The Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion was manufactured with batch number LB2.1790.B and barcode 6181100538892. 

Individuals in possession of this lotion are advised to immediately cease its use and return the product to the nearest office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). 

Again, healthcare professionals and consumers are urged to report any adverse reactions encountered while using this lotion. Reports can be submitted through various channels, including email to pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website, or through the Med-safety application.

This news comes after a similar incident in July 2023, where a different “Caro White” product sold in the UK was recalled for containing prohibited substances. NAFDAC emphasizes the importance of product authentication and encourages consumers to be cautious about unregulated beauty products.

Targeted at bolstering industrial growth and alleviating the economic challenges arising from the recent fuel subsidy removal, NAFDAC has announced a series of palliatives tailored to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

In a recent statement, NAFDAC revealed a 65% reduction in the registration renewal fees for MSMEs, highlighting a proactive response to the prevailing economic uncertainties.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the director-general, emphasised the importance of facilitating a conducive business environment, particularly in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal.

Under the revised administrative charges, NAFDAC has significantly lowered processing fees for the late renewal of regulated products.

For locally manufactured products, the renewal fee has been reduced by 65%, now standing at N44,200. Similarly, foreign products will benefit from a 45% reduction, bringing the processing fee down to $450.

In addition to these fee adjustments, NAFDAC has extended support to MSMEs by granting a 10% review of tariff structure for facility and inspection fees designated for Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Prof. Adeyeye affirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to not only provide relief to existing MSMEs but also to encourage the establishment of new enterprises, ensuring sustained growth in the sector.

“This is our moment, and NAFDAC, as a regulatory agency, is prepared to back MSMEs and other businesses that are ready for the innovative and interesting times that lie ahead of us,” Prof. Adeyeye said, highlighting the agency’s strategic response to the present economic challenges.

The reduction in processing fees is seen as an important step in supporting both existing and new MSMEs, ensuring their resilience in the face of economic adjustments resulting from the fuel subsidy removal. NAFDAC’s comprehensive package of support seeks to create an environment conducive to business growth, driving economic prosperity in Nigeria.

The event also marked the unveiling of OnPoint Blood Glucose Meter & Strips duly evaluated, approved, and registered by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The official opening ceremony held at the company’s office in Ilupeju, Lagos, serves as a springboard to different health issues in Africa.

This flagship product addresses the prevalence of diabetes in Africa by manufacturing blood glucose meters and strips for millions of people living with the disease to help in combating the disease and raising awareness on early detection and management to aid recovery and wellness.

With an installed capacity of 3.6 million packs and an opportunity to scale up to 10.8 million packs annually, the company is poised to meet local demand and export, starting with its subsidiaries across West Africa, with the added advantage of reducing the need for foreign exchange in procuring raw materials.

In his opening address, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi, the executive chairman, Colexa Biosensor Limited, stated that with the firm’s focus on Africa and with Nigeria as its base, it aims to extend its solution throughout Africa and the world and contribute its efforts to correcting the deficit in the balance of trade and to raising the volume of exports to improve the foreign exchange situation.

He said,

“We aim to localize and backward integrate to reduce our dependence on imports and this factory is the first step towards achieving that goal. As a testament to our utmost desire to ensure consistent product and service quality, we are happy to announce that this factory has received 2 Quality Management System certifications – 1st the ISO 13485:2016 (IVD) Certificate, and the ISO 9001: 2015 (process) certificate. We have also received a successful independent comparative evaluation of OnPoint BGM with the market gold standard through the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). Colexa Biosensor Limited will provide direct employment for over 700 staff and several more indirectly”.

In his keynote address, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated the commitment of FG to patronize local manufacturers of healthcare products and ensure the prevention of spending the country’s short supply of foreign exchange on importation of pharmaceutical products that can be produced locally.

“Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sees it as unacceptable that 99% of medical devices and more than 70% of our generic pharmaceutical equipment in Nigeria are imported. The Federal Government will purchase locally manufactured diabetes test kits because we know that diabetes is a very significant cause of morbidity in our country. We are committed to developing our healthcare industry to contribute to the African healthcare market by providing the critical commodities and services that will optimize the health of our populations, ensure our health security and retain all the economic value in our country”, he said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, a former Minister of Health, urged the government to ensure an environment that enables companies like Colexa Biosensor to thrive and remain sustainable.

Some of the ways he proposed that the government can support them include the patronage of the products and total removal of import duty on pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and accessories, rather than having to apply for Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) each time, which sometimes take up to two months.

In her goodwill message, Prof (Mrs.) Mojisola Adeyeye, the director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), spoke about the attainment of Maturity level 3 by NAFDAC as a major opportunity that would ensure that quality products from Nigeria are accessible and acceptable to African Countries.

She hailed Sammy Ogunjimi and Lekan Asuni for their vision of ensuring that the country can meet its local consumption of IVD products.

Featured Image Caption:

(L-R) Member, House of Representative, Abuja, Hon. Karu Simon Elisha; Former Minister of Health, 2010-2014, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu; Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof (Mrs.) Mojisola  Adeyeye; Hon. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate; Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole;  Founder and Chairman Juli Pharmacy PLC and Chairman of the occasion, Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi; Executive Vice Chairman, Colexa Biosensor Limited, Pharm Olalekan Asuni; Executive Chairman, Colexa Biosensor Limited, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi; National Coordinator of National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr Adebobola Bashorun; Hon Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof Akin Abayomi and Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Gambo Aliyu during the unveiling of Onpoint Blood Glucose Meter and Strips at the commissioning of the Colexa Biosensor Limited Factory, the First In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Factory for Blood Glucose Meters and Strips in Sub-Saharan Africa, in Lagos Nigeria]

NAFDAC alerted the public to the presence of these unwholesome bottles circulating in Nigeria following a consumer complaint that was investigated by the agency’s post-marketing surveillance unit.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that over five crates of the implicated batch of Sprite bottles were contaminated with particles.

NAFDAC conducted laboratory analysis on the affected batch and has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the contaminated product from the market.

To address the root cause of the contamination and ensure compliance with marketing authorization, NAFDAC will be carrying out a comprehensive inspection of the manufacturing site in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).

The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (Abuja plant), the company responsible for the affected batch, has been directed by NAFDAC to recall the unwholesome product and provide updates for monitoring purposes. NAFDAC is urging product distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and avoid consuming, selling, or distributing the contaminated Sprite.

Nigerians are advised to be vigilant and pay attention to the authenticity and physical condition of food and beverage products. If anyone possesses the identified batch of Sprite 50cl glass bottles, they are urged to submit them to the nearest NAFDAC office.

In the event of consuming the contaminated product or experiencing any adverse reactions, individuals are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. NAFDAC encourages the public to report any suspicions of distribution and sale of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office

In response to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 6, NAFDAC issued a statement advising healthcare providers about the discovery of substandard Guaifenesin Syrup (TG Syrup) in the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Laboratory tests conducted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia on samples of the guaifenesin syrup from the Marshall Islands unveiled the presence of unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.

The manufacturer identified in connection with the affected product is QP Pharmachem Ltd. based in Punjab, India, while Trillium Pharma, located in Haryana, India, is the stated marketer of the product.

“Despite being notified, neither the manufacturer nor the marketer has provided WHO with adequate assurances regarding the safety and quality of these products,” cautioned NAFDAC.

Guaifenesin syrup is commonly used as an expectorant to alleviate chest congestion and cough symptoms by thinning and loosening mucus, thereby clearing airways and facilitating easier breathing.

However, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when ingested and can potentially be fatal.

The contaminated guaifenesin syrup is considered unsafe, especially for children, as its usage may lead to severe injuries or even death. Toxic effects may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to urinate, headaches, changes in mental state, and acute kidney injury, which could prove fatal.

NAFDAC has urged manufacturers of liquid dosage forms, particularly syrups containing excipients like propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and sorbitol, to conduct thorough testing for the presence of contaminants such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol before incorporating them into medications.

“It’s important to note that the product in question is not listed in the NAFDAC database. Nonetheless, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant throughout the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard (contaminated) syrups,” added NAFDAC.

The agency also appealed to the public to immediately cease selling or using the aforementioned product and to surrender any existing stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of procuring all medical products exclusively from authorized and licensed suppliers, recommending thorough verification of product authenticity and physical condition.

She made this statement during the official commissioning of the new NAFDAC office complex for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport/NAHCO in Lagos.

Adeyeye expressed her concern about the continuous rejection of Nigerian food exports in some European countries and the United States.

She emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between NAFDAC and other government agencies at the ports to address this issue. A visit to NAFDAC’s export warehouses within the international airport reveals the main reasons behind the rejections.

To tackle the challenge, Adeyeye highlighted NAFDAC’s efforts in working closely with port agencies to ensure that exported goods meet the regulatory requirements of the importing countries and destinations.

She acknowledged the importance of collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, stating that without their support, NAFDAC would face significant limitations in its operations.

Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC’s presence at the ports and land borders plays a crucial role in fulfilling the agency’s mandate of safeguarding public health.

She also acknowledged the collaborative efforts with other organizations such as the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services and the police, which help ensure due diligence, investigation, and enforcement.

She emphasized the need for comprehensive collaboration among various agencies to address the rejection of Nigerian food exports, as it not only affects exporters but also has economic implications for the country