By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has commended the leadership of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, describing its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, as responsive and committed to advancing consumer protection in Nigeria.
In an official signed statement, Director, Corporate Affairs of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, disclosed that Professor Adeyeye made the remarks on Wednesday during the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between NAFDAC and the FCCPC at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Professor Adeyeye noted that recent engagements with the FCCPC leadership demonstrated a level of urgency consistent with the demands of effective consumer protection, revealing that on two separate occasions when she raised complaints, Mr. Bello responded promptly, leading to immediate corrective action by the businesses involved.
“That is the way it is supposed to be,” she said, stressing that Nigerian consumers deserve the same level of protection obtainable in other parts of the world.
She explained that the renewed Memorandum of Understanding would deepen collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding consumers while ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of regulated products. Although NAFDAC’s mandate focuses primarily on products, she emphasized that the ultimate objective remains the protection of consumers who use them.
“It is people that use those products, and that is where the consumer comes in. Consumers have the right to complain so that NAFDAC’s work can be effective,” she added.
The NAFDAC Director-General also praised Mr. Bello’s openness to collaboration, noting that institutional partnerships must transcend formal agreements to deliver tangible results.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated that the renewed agreement would enhance coordination in areas where consumer protection and product safety responsibilities intersect.
He explained that while the FCCPC is mandated to shield consumers from unfair, deceptive, and exploitative practices, NAFDAC regulates the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and related products.
Mr. Bello said the Memorandum of Understanding would facilitate improved information sharing, expedited complaint resolution, joint investigations, and stronger technical collaboration between the two agencies.
“For consumers, the benefits are clear. There will be more straightforward pathways for lodging complaints, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are not met,” he said.
He added that effective regulation enhances market confidence and promotes fair competition, while emphasizing that the success of the agreement would depend largely on diligent implementation.
“The real task lies in implementation. The systems established here must be used actively, reviewed regularly and strengthened where necessary,” he said.
Mr. Bello reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to sustained collaboration with NAFDAC and other relevant institutions to protect consumers and promote fair, transparent, and efficient markets across Nigeria.
