The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has received the Special African Leadership Commendation Award at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), held at the historic House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London.
According to a NAFDAC press release issued on July 10, the award recognizes Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership in transforming Nigeria’s medicines regulatory system through institutional reforms, regulatory excellence, and digital innovation.
Since assuming office in 2017, NAFDAC says it has modernised its laboratories and regulatory infrastructure, digitized about 90 per cent of its regulatory processes, strengthened quality management systems, and achieved ISO 9001 certification. The agency also attained the World Health Organization’s Global Benchmarking Maturity Level 3 in 2022 and retained the status following a re-benchmarking exercise in 2025.
The agency further highlighted milestones including WHO prequalification of its Central Drug Laboratory, Nigeria’s pre-applicant status in the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), and membership of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH).
NAFDAC said the reforms have also strengthened Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector through the implementation of the Five Plus Five Regulatory Directive, which has encouraged local drug production, reduced dependence on imported medicines already manufactured locally, and attracted new investments into the pharmaceutical industry.
Reacting to the recognition, Prof. Adeyeye dedicated the award to NAFDAC staff, describing it as a reflection of their dedication and professionalism. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory systems, protecting public health, and supporting the country’s healthcare and economic development.
The award ceremony formed part of the two-day African Business Leadership Awards programme held in London.
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