It is no longer business as usual for importers of food products into the country, as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has threatened to sanction importers that have spent more than five years without establishing local production plant.
Indeed, the industry watchdog said it would no longer accept re-registration of such operators’ licences.
This move, according to NAFDAC, is part of efforts to tackle issues surrounding the activities of food supply chain management, regulations on importation and exportation items.
Speaking at a three-day multi-sector Food Nigeria Conference and Exhibition organized by organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions in Lagos, Acting Director-General, NAFDAC, Mrs Yetunde Oni said NAFDAC currently grants licenses to reputable foreign products manufactured outside Nigeria after an application must have been certified by a Nigerian representative of the foreign manufacturer.
“The representative of a foreign manufacturer must however have a duly executed Power of Attorney from the manufacturer, appointing and authorising him/it to act in that capacity for such products”, she added.
Oni noted that while Nigeria has opened her doors to safe food imports that are registerable locally, the agency is interested in foreign food products manufacturers that are ready to establish local plants, transfer technology and create jobs for Nigerians.
She however, advised representatives of foreign companies with products registered with the agency to consider establishing their plants in Nigeria.
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