NAFDAC Director General Prof Adeyeye Reaffirms Commitment To Safeguarding Public Health

L-R: Director, Laboratory Services (Drug), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Mr. Abiola Victor, Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and Director, Veteriary Medicine and Allied Products, Dr Momodu Rametu, at the 2023 NAFDAC Awards, Recognition, and Retirement Ceremony, held in Lagos on Wednesday.

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has reassured Nigerians that the Agency remains a steadfast beacon of hope as it continues its relentless efforts to safeguard public health.

Professor Adeyeye made this assertion at the 2023 NAFDAC Awards, Recognition, and Retirement Ceremony, held on Wednesday, in Lagos. During the event, 42 staff members who were instrumental in securing the World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-Qualification for NAFDAC’s Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) in Yaba were among the 138 employees honored for their exemplary service to the nation.

According to a statement by the Agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Professor Adeyeye, while reflecting on the dedication and perseverance of the staff, acknowledged their unwavering commitment: “Year after year, you have risen to the challenge. Your countless nights spent poring over reports, the rigorous field operations you have undertaken, and the complex decisions you have made have all contributed to saving lives, improving the quality of life, and building trust in our healthcare system.”

She further emphasized the profound impact of their work, stating, “Your efforts have touched millions of lives in ways that may never be fully quantified. Today, we honor not just your achievements, but the spirit of service that drives you.”

The occasion, she noted, was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the relentless dedication, hard work, and unyielding spirit that each staff member brings to NAFDAC every day.

“Today, we recognize individuals who have not only upheld but elevated the standards of NAFDAC through their extraordinary contributions,” she added.

Professor Adeyeye also highlighted NAFDAC’s significant milestones over the past year, attributing these achievements to the collective effort and commitment of the workforce. Among these milestones, she singled out the WHO Pre-Qualification of the Central Drug Control Laboratory as a crowning achievement. She described this milestone as not merely a feather in NAFDAC’s cap but a quantum leap in the Agency’s mission to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines available to the public.

She elaborated that this achievement was the result of meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Addressing the team members who played pivotal roles in this success, she said, “Your tireless efforts, long hours, and steadfast dedication have set a new benchmark for what we can achieve together. Your contribution has not only earned the recognition of the WHO but has also placed NAFDAC at the forefront of global regulatory excellence.”

The WHO Pre-Qualification of the CDCL is expected to bring numerous benefits to Nigeria, including global recognition, enhanced pharmaceutical quality, international collaboration, and advancements in public health. Additionally, it streamlines regulatory processes, bolsters NAFDAC’s credibility, and propels the nation’s healthcare system forward.

As the ceremony continued, Professor Adeyeye turned to the retirees, describing the moment as bittersweet. “Today, we also gather to bid a fond farewell to those who have dedicated their careers to the service of NAFDAC and the nation,” she said.

She commended their years of service, marked by diligence, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. “As you stand on the cusp of a new chapter in your lives, we are filled with a mixture of gratitude and nostalgia.”

She acknowledged the retirees as the backbone of NAFDAC, noting that they had shaped the Agency’s culture, mentored the next generation, and left an indelible mark on the institution. As they prepare to turn the page, Professor Adeyeye assured them that their contributions will continue to resonate within the Agency and beyond, celebrated for a lifetime. “Retirement is not an end but a new beginning,” she affirmed.

Addressing the awardees, she said, “Your exceptional performance sets the standard for excellence in the Agency. You represent the very best of NAFDAC—individuals who have gone above and beyond, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in regulatory science and public health protection.”

To all NAFDAC staff, Professor Adeyeye expressed her deep appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and resilience in the face of challenges. “While we celebrate specific achievements today, know that every task you complete, every inspection you conduct, and every report you file contributes to our collective mission. The true measure of our success lies in the lives we impact every day. Every quality medicine that reaches a patient, every safe food item on a family’s table, and every authentic cosmetic product in the market is a testament to your diligence and commitment.”

She encouraged the staff to take pride in the NAFDAC family—a family whose vigilance touches every home in Nigeria. However, she pointed out that the road ahead is filled with new challenges and opportunities, particularly in light of the recent Executive Order of June 28, 2024, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector. “But I stand here today confident because I know the caliber of professionals we have in NAFDAC,” she said.

As NAFDAC continues its journey towards attaining Maturity Level 4 for Vaccines Lot Release and Medicines, and its aspiration to become a WHO Listed Authority, Professor Adeyeye called upon the staff to renew their commitment to excellence. She urged them to let the achievements celebrated today inspire them to reach even greater heights.

In closing, Professor Adeyeye reminded everyone that the race for excellence has no finish line and that their dedication does not go unnoticed. “Let today’s recognition serve as motivation to innovate, push harder, and strive for continuous improvement in all that you do,” she added.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to every staff member, stating, “Your dedication, expertise, and passion for public health are the cornerstones of NAFDAC’s success. Together, we are not just regulating; we are transforming lives, strengthening our nation’s health security, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.”

She encouraged everyone to leave the event with a renewed sense of vigor and determination to elevate NAFDAC to even greater heights. “The future of Nigeria’s public health is in our hands, and together, we will continue to make a lasting impact,” she said.

Dr. Rametu Momodu, Chairperson of the Awards Organizing Committee and Coordinating Director of the Food/Animal Feed Product Inspectorate, urged those who did not receive awards this year to let today’s achievements inspire them. “The torch is being passed to you, with the responsibility to uphold the standard of excellence set by your predecessors,” she said.

Dr. Momodu encouraged them to embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and never lose sight of NAFDAC’s core mission to protect and promote public health. “In this room, I see the most dedicated professionals, the embodiment of public service,” she added.