The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening efforts against fake, unsafe and substandard products in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday in Abuja, is expected to enhance collaboration between both agencies in product safety regulation, consumer protection and enforcement of market standards.
The partnership also establishes a structured framework for information sharing to reduce delays that often slow investigations and enforcement actions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the FCCPC headquarters, the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, described the pact as a strategic move to improve coordinated regulation in Nigeria’s consumer market.
He said, “This event marks a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in the service of Nigerian consumers, particularly in areas where product safety and consumer protection overlap and require coordinated action.”
Bello noted that although both agencies have distinct legal mandates, their responsibilities increasingly intersect in practice, especially in cases involving unsafe pharmaceuticals, substandard goods, deceptive advertising and misleading product claims.
According to him, FCCPC is responsible for protecting consumers against exploitative and deceptive market practices, while NAFDAC oversees the regulation of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, medical devices and packaged water to ensure safety and quality standards.
He explained that harmful products in the market are not only public health concerns under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction, but also consumer protection issues that fall within FCCPC’s mandate.
“The same applies to false advertising of regulated products, which typically requires input from both bodies,” Bello said.
He added that the MoU would eliminate confusion for consumers by creating a more coordinated complaint-handling process.
“Rather than leaving consumers to decide which agency to approach, complaints can now be received and reviewed in one place, and then directed through clearly defined channels. This will make the system more efficient and more responsive,” he said.
Bello disclosed that the agreement covers data sharing, joint investigations, coordinated enforcement operations, capacity building, training and technical collaboration.
He stressed that stronger collaboration between both agencies would boost consumer confidence and deter violators.
“This will send shivers down the spine of those who are mischievous in our society, those who try to circumvent the rules. The message is clear: enforcement will be stronger and more coordinated,” he added.
On her part, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agreement as crucial to safeguarding Nigerians from harmful products and protecting consumer rights.
She said the partnership must go beyond documentation and produce measurable results.
“This MoU is extremely important for the nation. But beyond the document, what matters is action. We do not need theory when it comes to consumer protection, we need results,” she said.
Adeyeye also recounted occasions when FCCPC promptly addressed complaints she raised as a consumer, resulting in corrective actions by businesses involved.
She explained that while NAFDAC focuses on product safety and efficacy, FCCPC plays a vital role in defending consumers’ rights.
“Consumers have the right to complain, and we must ensure those complaints lead to action,” she said.
The NAFDAC boss added that the collaboration would strengthen sanctions against violators and improve public awareness through joint communication efforts.
The agreement is expected to streamline complaint resolution, improve regulatory coordination and create a more predictable compliance environment for businesses.
The partnership comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of fake drugs, substandard products and deceptive advertising in Nigeria, which continue to threaten public health and weaken consumer confidence.
