NECA, SON, Health Ministry Seek Senate Delay on NAFDAC Bill

NECA, SON, and the health ministry have called on the Senate to delay the NAFDAC Bill, requesting its exclusion of tobacco products. The group argues that including tobacco in the legislation would lead to regulatory duplication and disrupt existing business operations.

The proposed Food, Medical Products and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Bill, 2026, was passed in second reading on July 21, 2026. NECA submitted its concerns to the Senate Committee on Health, highlighting potential conflicts with existing tobacco control laws and regulations.

NECA emphasized that tobacco is a separate regulatory category, not classified as food or medicine. The association stated that NAFDAC’s current mandate does not explicitly cover tobacco products, raising concerns about overlapping responsibilities among multiple agencies.