Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, and the Director-General of NAFDAC Mojisola Adeyeye during the signing of an agreement in Abuja on Wednesday.
Nigeria has taken a significant step toward improving consumer rights and product safety, as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja.
The agreement, signed at the FCCPC headquarters, is aimed at deepening collaboration between the two key regulatory bodies in tackling substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and misleading product claims in Nigeria’s markets.
Speaking at the event, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Tunji Bello, described the MoU as a critical move to bridge operational gaps between both agencies. He noted that while FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair and exploitative practices, NAFDAC is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of regulated products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
According to Bello, the increasing overlap in these responsibilities has made closer cooperation unavoidable. He explained that a defective or harmful product is not only a public health risk but also a violation of consumer rights, requiring coordinated enforcement and regulatory alignment.
Under the new framework, both agencies will collaborate in key areas including intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and enforcement actions. The agreement also establishes mechanisms for timely data exchange to support regulatory decisions, policy formulation, and rapid response to emerging threats in the marketplace.
One of the most impactful aspects of the partnership is the introduction of a more unified system for handling consumer complaints. Bello said this would eliminate confusion among Nigerians about which agency to approach, as complaints can now be received through a streamlined process and directed appropriately.
In addition, liaison teams will be set up within both organisations to ensure faster communication and coordinated responses, while joint training programmes and technical exchanges are expected to enhance institutional capacity and expertise.
For consumers, the collaboration promises quicker resolution of complaints, stronger enforcement against violators, and greater assurance that products in circulation meet safety standards. Businesses, on the other hand, are expected to benefit from clearer and more predictable regulatory expectations, reducing compliance uncertainty.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised that Nigerian consumers deserve the same level of protection as those in developed countries. She described the partnership as essential in addressing the growing complexity of modern markets, where counterfeit and substandard products continue to pose serious risks.
Adeyeye stressed that effective regulation goes beyond legal frameworks and requires decisive, coordinated action among agencies. She highlighted that while NAFDAC has the authority to seize unsafe products and sanction offenders, FCCPC plays a crucial role in ensuring that consumer rights are upheld and violations are addressed from a market conduct perspective.
She also underscored the importance of public awareness and inter-agency cooperation, noting that institutions such as the National Orientation Agency can help amplify enforcement efforts by educating consumers and encouraging reporting of unsafe products.
While commending the partnership, Adeyeye cautioned that the real measure of success would be in implementation. “An MoU is not enough if it remains on paper. What Nigerians need are visible results safer products, accountable businesses, and responsive institutions,” she said.
The agreement comes at a time when Nigeria continues to battle the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, adulterated food products, and deceptive marketing practices. Analysts believe that stronger collaboration between FCCPC and NAFDAC could significantly reduce regulatory fragmentation, improve enforcement efficiency, and restore public confidence in the safety of goods available in the market.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained cooperation, noting that the partnership represents a long-term strategy to build safer markets, protect public health, and strengthen consumer trust across the country.
