Nigeria Takes a Bold Step in Medicine Safety with New Traceability Rules

 

On October 16, 2024, Nigeria made a significant move to protect its people from counterfeit and unsafe medicines. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) enacted the Pharmaceutical Products Traceability Regulations 2024. This new regulation ensures that drugs in Nigeria are genuine, safe, and of the highest quality.

 

Why does this matter?

Nigeria has long struggled with counterfeit drugs. Fake medicines harm trust in healthcare, endanger patients, and sometimes cause devastating outcomes. By introducing traceability, NAFDAC is making an impactful effort to safeguard lives and improve public health.

 

What is traceability, and why is it important?

Traceability ensures that medicines can be tracked at every stage, from production to when they reach the patient. It’s a vital tool for confirming the authenticity of products, preventing theft, and stopping counterfeit drugs from entering the supply chain. For patients, it means greater confidence in the safety and quality of their medicines.

 

When will this take effect?

While the regulation is already in place, NAFDAC has not yet announced a timeline for enforcement. Pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria now have an opportunity to prepare for this transformative change.

 

What does this mean for pharmaceutical companies?

The regulation will require companies to adopt new systems for tracking, labelling, and reporting medicines. While the transition may seem challenging, it represents an opportunity to build trust and improve operational efficiency.

 

How SATT TRVST supports vaccine traceability in Africa

At SoftGroup, we understand the critical role traceability plays in protecting lives, especially in vaccine distribution. Our SATT TRVST solution is tailored to meet the unique demands of vaccine traceability. Designed with secure Azure technology, SATT TRVST enables end-to-end visibility of vaccines, ensuring they reach their intended recipients safely and remain effective throughout the journey.

This approach aligns closely with global initiatives, including UNICEF’s programs for vaccine distribution in Africa. By adopting SATT TRVST, pharmaceutical companies and organizations involved in vaccine delivery can strengthen their supply chains, reduce waste, and build trust with healthcare providers and patients alike.

 

What’s next?

For now, NAFDAC will provide further guidance on enforcement. In the meantime, companies should start preparing their systems and processes to align with the new requirements. This is a pivotal moment for the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria and a step toward better healthcare for all.

 

Why it matters

Traceability regulations are more than just compliance—they’re about saving lives. At SoftGroup, we’re proud to support this global shift toward transparency and safety. With solutions like SATT TRVST, we help businesses achieve compliance while contributing to critical programs, including vaccine traceability, that protect vulnerable populations.

Together, we can create a future where every medicine and vaccine is safe, trusted, and accessible.

 

Read the full NAFDAC regulation here.

 

 

Learn more about our traceability solutions  or discover how SATT TRVST helps with vaccine traceability in Africa.