The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is committed to protecting public health in Yobe State and across the North-East zone by working in partnership with businesses.
This was stated by Mr Chike Livinus, the North-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, during a consultative meeting on tuesday in Damaturu with a variety of business operators, including traders, water producers, pharmacists, chemical dealers, and restaurant operators.
Livinus urged the participants to view NAFDAC not as a threat to their businesses, but as a partner in progress. He emphasized, “NAFDAC is here to support you. We are here to guide, encourage, and ensure your businesses thrive without compromising public health.” The meeting highlights the agency’s focus on collaboration and education to achieve its mandate.
Livinus explained that the zonal office oversaw operations across the six North-East states, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba, through state coordinators.
He noted that regulatory enforcement was aimed at building safer markets and healthier communities.
He also disclosed that the agency was considering introducing awards for the most compliant producers as a way of motivating businesses that adhered to safety standards.
In his remarks, Mr Lawan Dadingelma, NAFDAC State Coordinator in Yobe, said the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including pharmaceutical operators, chemical marketers, restaurant owners, and table water producers.
He added that similar sensitisation exercises would be held in Bade, Potiskum, and Geidam Local Government Areas to broaden awareness and strengthen compliance.
Mr Muhammed Hassan, Secretary of the Association of Table Water Producers, commended NAFDAC’s inclusive approach in Yobe.
“Most of the rules are written in English, but here in Yobe, the office translates them into Hausa so that everyone understands.
“That effort shows they want us to succeed,” he said.
Hassan pledged full cooperation with the agency and supported the idea of an award system for compliant producers, noting that such recognition would inspire better practices
