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NAFDAC Makes History, Joins Elite Global Drug Regulators In ICH

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Nigeria has achieved a landmark regulatory milestone as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been admitted as a full member of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), placing the country among the world’s most advanced drug regulatory authorities.

The announcement was made at the ICH Assembly held in Singapore, where Nigeria was confirmed as the 24th country out of just 25 globally to attain full membership status.

The recognition marks a significant elevation in Nigeria’s global standing in pharmaceutical regulation.

NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, described the achievement as “a historic breakthrough for Nigeria and the African continent,” noting that the development will transform access to quality medicines and strengthen public health outcomes.

SEE MORE: NAFDAC Explains Why Popular Drugs Were Pulled From Nigerian Market

“Full ICH membership means Nigerians will have better access to high-quality, safe, and effective medicines,” she said. “It shows that our regulatory scientists can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”

NAFDAC’s quest for full ICH membership began in late 2022 after it secured Observer status. Over the years, the Agency intensified its efforts through rigorous capacity-building, participation in technical working groups, and adoption of international best-practice guidelines.

In 2023, NAFDAC made a strong impression at the ICH meeting in Vancouver, Canada, where it delivered a formal presentation as part of its evaluation.

This was followed by extensive training on multiple ICH guidelines and active involvement in global Expert Working Groups.

One of the key milestones was the high-level international workshop hosted in Lagos in April 2025 on the ICH M13A Bioequivalence guideline, which attracted regulatory bodies and pharmaceutical manufacturers from across Africa.

Prof. Adeyeye credited the progress to a “methodical and structured approach,” supported by Northeastern University in Boston, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other technical partners.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Omayuli Francisca Kemi, who received the NAFDAC delegation during the Assembly, praised the Agency’s resilience and professionalism.

“This is a moment of pride for Nigeria,” she said. “NAFDAC has demonstrated leadership, competence, and consistency in earning its place on the global regulatory stage.”

With the new status, NAFDAC will now participate directly in shaping international pharmaceutical guidelines and apply globally harmonised standards to strengthen Nigeria’s drug regulatory system.

The impact is expected to include faster access to innovative therapies, improved quality of locally manufactured medicines, reduced proliferation of substandard drugs, and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

Prof. Adeyeye also applauded members of NAFDAC’s Expert Working Groups for their “rigorous scientific input and countless hours of review,” noting that their dedication demonstrated Nigeria’s preparedness for global integration.

She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, and the Nigerian public for their support.

“We will continue to safeguard the health of the nation now with the full strength of the ICH global community behind us,” she assured.

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Obi Calls for Tinubu’s Resignation Over ‘Failure in Governance’ After UK PM Exit

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#NigeriaDecides: Obi Leads With 6 Of 8 LGs Declared In Plateau

Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as “failure in governance,” drawing comparisons with political accountability in other democracies following the resignation announcement of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, Obi said he had followed Starmer’s resignation speech and reflected on what he described as the importance of leadership responsibility in democratic governance.

ALSO READ: UK PM Keir Starmer Resigns

“As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development,” Obi said.

He noted that Starmer’s decision followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic challenges, rising cost of living, and unmet campaign promises in the United Kingdom.

Obi then drew parallels with Nigeria, recalling that before the 2015 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had repeatedly called on then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity.

“During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives,” Obi stated.

He also referenced campaign promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 elections, including commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption, and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments,” Obi said.

According to him, conditions in the country have since deteriorated, with persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity, and deepening economic hardship.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased,” he added.

Obi further argued that other sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, had also suffered setbacks, insisting that Nigeria is currently in “the worst possible condition.”

The opposition figure therefore called on President Tinubu to step down, saying such a move would promote accountability in public office.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” Obi said.

He added that resignation would help foster “a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility” and reinforce the idea that “public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement,” stressing the need for what he called “a New Nigeria that is possible.”

 

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Ex-IGP Usman Alkali Baba Joins Yobe Governorship Race, Vows to End Insurgency

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Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”

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Bayern Won’t Sell Olise Even for €200m — Rummenigge Drops Bombshell

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Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.

The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.

SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Chelsea Hit With £10.75m Fine, Transfer Ban

Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.

After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.

According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.

He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.

The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.

Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.

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