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

The WHO conducted a re-benchmarking exercise from May 28 to May 30, 2025, assessing NAFDAC’s regulatory performance against globally recognised standards. NAFDAC attained the ML3 status in 2022, becoming Africa’s first National Regulatory Authority to achieve the milestone in regulating medicines and vaccines (non-producing).

According to the WHO’s assessment, NAFDAC has maintained a stable, well-functioning, and integrated framework for regulating medicines and vaccines, a feat attributed to sustained government investment in strengthening the regulatory system.

President Tinubu commended the agency’s management and staff for their professionalism and dedication to safeguarding public health, describing the achievement as a boost to Nigeria’s standing in global health security and pandemic preparedness.

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines and vaccines in line with international best practices. He noted that the milestone aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system, upgrading over 17,000 primary health centres, improving maternal care and diagnostics in underserved areas, training 120,000 frontline health workers, and doubling national health insurance coverage within three years.

Tinubu also pledged continued support for NAFDAC’s bid to achieve WHO’s Maturity Level 4, the highest global standard of regulatory excellence, and reaffirmed plans to promote local production of healthcare products, attract investment in the pharmaceutical sector, and expand manufacturing capacity.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to begin mandatory hepatitis screening for food handlers across Abuja. This initiative aims to strengthen public health and enhance food safety in the capital.

Targeting food vendors in restaurants, markets, bakeries, and canteens, the screening is designed to reduce the spread of foodborne diseases, including Hepatitis A and E, which are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as Hepatitis B and C, which are spread through blood and bodily fluids.

The announcement was made in a statement issued Tuesday by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as part of a goodwill message for World Hepatitis Day 2025. The message was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat.

According to the Minister, the screening will be conducted through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, combining the efficiency, technical expertise, and resources of the private sector with the regulatory oversight of the government.

“This strategic initiative aligns with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and will include regular mandatory screening for Hepatitis B and C among all food handlers within the FCT,” Wike stated.

He emphasised that food handlers are “an often overlooked group” whose roles are critical in ensuring the safety of what people consume daily. He urged the public to view them as essential public health stewards.

The FCTA also called on all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, food business operators, and the public—to support the initiative. This includes promoting hepatitis awareness, encouraging vaccinations, and enforcing hygiene and safety standards.

“We must act urgently. Hygiene cannot wait. Screening cannot wait. Action cannot wait. Together, let’s ensure the FCT leads by example, turning our food industry into a model of health, safety, and excellence,” the statement concluded.

Further details regarding the screening timeline and rollout will be communicated in due course by the administration.

President Bola Tinubu has introduced two new healthcare initiatives: the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme and the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers.

The aim of these programs is to enhance the health and social well-being of Nigerians, foster economic development, and establish Nigeria as a healthcare hub in Africa.

During the launch of these initiatives in Bauchi State on Friday, August 16, 2024, the president, represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted that these projects will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.

He stated that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, the facilities will reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

Tinubu added that upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary, Medserve, will operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa, with the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years, in addition to enhancing clinical trial and research capabilities.

He said: “This programme will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us towards our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.

“The second initiative, the launch of the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, is a personal performance indicator for me as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership. We all know that health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system.

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“By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population.”

Underscoring the viability of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), President Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that the nation’s productivity and wealth depend on the vitality of its people, adding that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right, as well as a matter of long-term national security.

Tinubu emphasised that his administration will continue to prioritise healthcare, enhance preventive measures, and invest in health education while fostering health equity and justice.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed thanked Tinubu for his investments in the health sector.

Mohammed said: “We thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the giant strides he is making in the health sector.

“Even those of us in the opposition party, we are federalists and appreciate the work and collaboration with Mr President’s team here, with both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health, to kick off this impactful project for all Nigerians.”