NAFDAC to help boost MSME growth, export competitiveness

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through regulatory interventions designed to reduce the cost and complexity of product registration, promote local manufacturing and improve access to international markets.

Our Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave this assurance on Monday, 9 November 2026, at the SMEDAN–NAFDAC Summit held at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. She described MSMEs as major drivers of employment, indigenous product development and Nigeria’s industrial and export ambitions.

Prof. Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC has introduced several measures to ease the registration process for small businesses. These include a 50 per cent reduction in registration fees for companies with five or fewer employees, electronic and assisted registration through the NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS), a Small Business Support Desk, expedited laboratory analysis, decentralised registration at zonal offices and shared-facility registration for eligible low-risk products.

She also highlighted the Agency’s support for MSME exporters through export certification, technical guidance, laboratory testing and training on Good Manufacturing and Hygiene Practices. These interventions are aimed at helping Nigerian products meet international requirements, prevent rejection at foreign ports and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets.

The Director-General urged MSMEs to engage NAFDAC early, maintain current product registrations, build quality into every stage of production and comply with applicable regulatory requirements. She also cautioned against using intermediaries or paying unauthorised persons to access the Agency’s services, emphasising that NAFDAC’s processes are transparent and accessible to qualified applicants.