The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said that the World Health Organisation has granted pre-qualification status to the Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) in Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
While announcing the new milestone at a press conference in Abuja, Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said: “We are delighted to announce a momentous achievement for the Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) in Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially granted WHO Prequalification Status to the CDCL, signifying a milestone in its dedication to ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products.
“This was communicated to us through a mail received from WHO Prequalification Inspection team on Friday 15th September 2023.
“This success was finally published on the WHO website last week and the website address through which the public can cite and reference this was shared with us for dissemination to the general public”.
She said that among the key benefits of the WHO prequalification of the laboratory are enhanced pharmaceutical quality and increased global recognition for medicines manufactured in Nigeria.
She said the WHO prequalification status confers globally recognition badge of honour that attests to the CDCL’s competence in assuring the quality of pharmaceutical products.
She said the recognition also places CDCL among an elite group of laboratories worldwide known for their excellence in drug analysis.
“This is a huge landmark achievement for the Agency and Nigeria. Very few laboratories in the world have the apex status of WHO pre-qualification,” she said.
Adeyeye said the WHO prequalification of the CDCL was a testament to the unwavering commitment of NAFDAC to meeting international standards of excellence in drug quality control and regulation.
According to her, the recognition brings numerous benefits to CDCL, NAFDAC and to the Nigerian people.
Adeyeye further listed some of the key benefits of the WHO prequalification to Nigeria include; global recognition, more international collaboration, advancement of public health and streamlining of regulatory processes in the country.
For instance, the DG said the prequalification of CDCL will ensure that the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines tested and certified by the laboratory meet the highest international standards.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
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