President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for successfully retaining the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status for the regulation of medicines and vaccines.
The WHO conducted a re-benchmarking exercise from May 28 to May 30, 2025, to assess NAFDAC’s regulatory system against internationally recognised standards. This evaluation is part of a routine review process to ensure continued compliance with WHO’s global health regulatory policies.
NAFDAC first achieved ML3 status in 2022, marking it as Africa’s pioneer National Regulatory Authority to reach this milestone in regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing). Since then, periodic reviews—including a formal re-benchmarking in November 2024 and five Institutional Development Plan (IDP) meetings held between February and April 2025—have been conducted to monitor progress and corrective actions.
In his statement, President Tinubu welcomed the WHO’s assessment that:
“NAFDAC has successfully maintained a regulatory system that operates as a stable, well-functioning, and integrated framework for regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing). This achievement results from investment by the Government of Nigeria in strengthening the regulatory system.”
The President praised NAFDAC’s leadership and staff for their professionalism, consistency, and dedication to safeguarding public health. He highlighted that this accomplishment elevates Nigeria’s reputation as a dependable partner in global health security and pandemic preparedness.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, President Tinubu pledged to continue enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines and vaccines in line with international best practices. He further emphasised that the achievement aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to transform the country’s healthcare system.
Highlighting ongoing healthcare initiatives, President Tinubu cited significant progress, including:
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Upgrading over 17,000 primary health centres nationwide
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Improving maternal care and diagnostic services in underserved communities
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Training 120,000 frontline health workers
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Doubling national health insurance coverage within three years
The President also reiterated his administration’s priority to promote local production of healthcare products. He assured that Nigeria would continue collaborating with credible partners, development agencies, and donor organisations to foster growth in the pharmaceutical sector, attract investments, and expand local manufacturing capacities.
Finally, President Tinubu pledged ongoing support for NAFDAC’s journey towards attaining the WHO’s highest global standard—Maturity Level 4, reflecting regulatory excellence.
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