By Olusegun Samuel Precious
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has drawn a clear line on its regulatory powers, stating that it lacks “direct and absolute regulatory oversight” over unbranded staple foods sold in open markets across the country.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that under the NAFDAC Act, the agency’s mandate is strictly centered on processed and packaged commodities. Consequently, traditionally sold staples—such as loose palm oil, fufu, and open-market grains—fall primarily under the jurisdiction of state and local government health authorities.
The clarification comes in the wake of widespread social media panic over alleged widespread contamination of staple foods, beverages, and dairy products. While urging the public not to rely on unverified online claims without laboratory confirmation, Prof. Adeyeye raised alarm over genuine reports of hazardous food adulteration.
She said unbranded palm oil in local markets is increasingly being laced with toxic azo dyes, while fufu and other traditional staples are reportedly being processed using industrial bleach and harmful chemicals to improve appearance.
NAFDAC emphasized that social media reports alone cannot confirm food adulteration, urging citizens to submit samples for scientific evaluation rather than spreading unverified claims.
It disclosed that the agency logged 225 formal complaints in August through its 24-hour call center. Prof. Adeyeye urged the public to report suspect vendors directly to authorities, noting that “counterfeiters are not ghosts; they exist within our communities.”
The agency clarified that imported fresh produce—such as apples, grapes, and oranges—falls under the purview of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), not NAFDAC.
Prof. Adeyeye assured that while branded and packaged goods remain strictly under NAFDAC’s watch, the agency will actively collaborate with sub-national governments and local market authorities to strengthen safety standards and clamp down on toxic practices in open markets nationwide.
