NAFDAC Director-General Visits Local Syringe Factory to Champion Indigenous Manufacturing
The Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called for a total cessation of medical syringe imports into the country in a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s economy and promote local production.
This advocacy gained momentum during a recent visit by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to the Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited Syringe factory situated in Ogun State.
The primary objective of the visit was to address the prevalent challenge of substandard medical device imports and advocate for indigenous manufacturing.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the government’s steadfast commitment to bolstering local industries, stressing the importance of revitalizing syringe production within Nigeria to ensure the availability of high-quality products and stimulate job creation.
Prof. Adeyeye echoed NAFDAC’s determination to cease the issuance of import authorizations for syringes, redirecting focus towards local manufacturers while collaborating with them to enhance production standards.
Despite acknowledging potential initial cost implications associated with locally manufactured syringes, Prof. Adeyeye underscored that scaling up production volumes would inevitably lead to a reduction in prices over time.
This initiative not only guarantees quality control but also fortifies the nation’s capacity for self-sufficiency in critical healthcare supplies, aligning with broader efforts to advance Nigeria’s economic interests.
The ban on syringe imports follows a warning issued by the NAFDAC DG to customs agents regarding the influx of imported syringes despite high import duties aimed at safeguarding the local market.
