The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Sokoto State says worsening insecurity is severely hindering its ability to carry out essential duties across the state. According to the State Coordinator, Abdulsalam Lawal, the agency currently cannot access more than half of Sokoto’s 23 local government areas.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, Lawal described insecurity as the agency’s “biggest obstacle,” noting that many communities have become too unsafe for routine inspections.
“There are areas we would have loved to reach, but insecurity makes it impossible,” he said.
He explained that although the command recently received solar power support and now has two operational vehicles, manpower shortages continue to limit fieldwork. “We urgently need more personnel to expand our coverage,” he added.
Lawal also addressed the rise in women-led micro businesses producing homemade items showcased at a recent trade fair. He expressed disappointment that the agency was not invited.
“Honestly, I wasn’t aware of the fair. Had NAFDAC been invited, we would have sensitised producers on proper registration procedures,” he noted.
He emphasised that the agency has simplified its processes to make compliance easier for small businesses. “Even a one-room facility can be guided to meet requirements,” he said, urging entrepreneurs to seek guidance directly from NAFDAC rather than relying on hearsay or middlemen.
On food safety, Lawal revealed that NAFDAC routinely inspects cold rooms and vendors selling frozen fish and chicken to prevent the distribution of spoiled products. “We classify them as cold stores and check their cooling efficiency even though they are not registered manufacturers,” he explained.
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He also issued a strong warning against buying medicines from roadside sellers, describing them as “merchants of death.”
“Many drugs hawked under the sun are fake or degraded. The more people patronise them, the more they thrive,” he warned, urging citizens to buy medicines only from registered pharmacies or patent medicine stores.
Lawal appealed to producers of regulated products—foods, drugs, cosmetics, detergents, medical devices and packaged water—to approach NAFDAC for proper registration. He stressed that producing such items illegally in homes or bedrooms puts public health at risk.
“Our goal is to safeguard the health of the populace. Don’t produce inside your bedroom and expect NAFDAC to look away,” he cautioned. “We are always ready to assist anyone willing to follow the right procedures.”
