NAFDAC issues warning on sales, distribution of unregistered condom

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to the public regarding the illegal sale and distribution of unregistered condoms in Nigeria, specifically the Foula Condom brand.

The agency in an official statement on its official website disclosed the news on October 31.

The statement reads: “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is calling the attention of the public to the illegal sale and distribution of an unregistered brand of condoms in Nigeria called Foula Condoms.”

“Officials from the Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) directorate discovered Foula condoms (packaged in threes) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State.”

“The discovery was made during PMS’s Risk-Based Post Marketing Surveillance study on registered condoms in Nigeria.”

“The condom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the labeling of the product is not written in English Language.

The agency issued the warning regarding the Foula Condom brand, stating that it is not registered for use in Nigeria and its labeling is not written in English language.

“This poses significant health risks, as the safety, quality, and efficacy of the product are not guaranteed,” NAFDAC stated.

As reported by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), NAFDAC stated that “these condoms were discovered in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State, during a Risk-Based Post Marketing Surveillance study on registered condoms in Nigeria.”

“Condoms are scientifically proven to be effective barrier methods that can be used for two purposes, which include both the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“For barrier methods of contraception or infection prevention to be most effective, correct usage is important.”

This means “the illegal distribution or sale of unregistered condoms throws people at a very high risk as the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the products are not guaranteed,” NAFDAC stated.

“Buying and using poor-quality condoms pose significant risks to public health, undermining efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies and protect against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).”

“If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection.”

NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is a Nigerian regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of foods, drugs, cosmetics, and other regulated products.

History of NAFDAC

NAFDAC was established in 1993 as a response to the fake and substandard drug menace in Nigeria.

Mandate of NAFDAC

The agency’s mandate includes regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Also, its mandate is to conduct inspections and enforcement activities, set standards for quality and safety drugs, and public education and awareness.

Functions of NAFDAC

NAFDAC’s key functions include product registration and licensing, inspection of manufacturing facilities and distribution channels, and laboratory testing and analysis.

Besides enforcement of regulations and standards and public awareness and education are part of the agency’s functions.

Regulated Products

NAFDAC regulates food and beverages, drugs and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products, medical devices, and chemicals and agrochemicals.

Benefits

The agency’s activities ensures protection of public health, promotion of quality and safety, prevention of counterfeit and substandard products, encouragement of local manufacturing, and facilitation of international trade.

Challenges

Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, counterfeiting, and public awareness and compliance are all challenges faced by the NAFDAC.

Initiatives

The drug control agency has implemented initiatives like online product registration portal, Mobile Authentication Service (MAS), National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG), Food Safety Guidelines, and collaboration with international organizations

Contact Information

NAFDAC Headquarter is located  at Plot 2032, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 7, Wuse, Abuja.

Its phone number is +234 9 2913810

Regional Offices

The agency has regional offices in Lagos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and other major cities in Nigeria.

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