Tinubu congratulates NAFDAC on maintaining WHO ML3 for regulation of medicines, vaccines

Tinubu

By JAMIU JAMODU

President Bola Tinubu congratulates the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on retaining the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status for the regulation of medicines and vaccines.

The global health regulatory body conducted a re-benchmarking exercise from May 28 to May 30, 2025, assessing NAFDAC against globally recognised standards for regulatory performance.

NAFDAC attained ML3 status in 2022, becoming Africa’s first National Regulatory Authority to achieve this milestone in regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing). In consonance with the WHO policy, periodic reviews are conducted to ensure sustained compliance.

The latest evaluation followed a formal re-benchmarking in November 2024 and five Institutional Development Plan (IDP) review meetings between February and April 2025 to assess progress on corrective actions.

President Tinubu welcomes the WHO’s verdict that:

“NAFDAC has successfully maintained a regulatory system that operates as a stable, well-functioning, and integrated framework for regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing). This achievement results from investment by the Government of Nigeria in strengthening the regulatory system.”

The President commends NAFDAC’s management and staff for their professionalism, consistency, and dedication to safeguarding public health, noting that this achievement strengthens Nigeria’s standing as a reliable partner in global health security and pandemic preparedness.