The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojosola Adeyeye, on Wednesday hailed the leadership of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, under its Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive, Mr. Tunji Bello, for being responsive and committed to consumer protection in the country.

Adeyeye’s remarks came on a day both agencies renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance consumer protection.

The NAFDAC boss said recent engagements with the FCCPC leadership had shown a level of urgency that reflected the seriousness required in consumer protection.

She noted that, on two occasions when she raised complaints with Bello, he responded almost immediately, adding that the affected business took corrective action.

“That is the way it is supposed to be,” she said, adding that Nigerians should receive the same level of protection available to consumers in other parts of the world.

She said the renewed MoU would strengthen collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding consumers and ensuring the safety, quality and efficacy of regulated products.

Although NAFDAC’s mandate focuses on products, she stressed that the ultimate concern rested on the people who use them.

She said, “It is people that use those products, and that is where the consumer comes in. Consumers have the right to complain so that NAFDAC’s work can be effective.”

Specifically, she praised Bello’s willingness to collaborate, stressing that partnerships must go beyond signed documents, stressing that an MoU has little value unless it is backed by practical action.

Adeyeye said, “About six weeks ago, when we met at the National Orientation Agency, I spoke about the importance of strong consumer protection, and I believe that message resonated with many of you.

“We are fortunate to have strong leadership at the FCCPC. I have personally lodged complaints on two occasions, and each time, the response was swift and effective. In both cases, the businesses involved quickly made amends.

“That is how the system is meant to work. Nigeria is not different from other countries, and our consumers should not be taken for granted. The work being done by FCCPC, in collaboration with NAFDAC and other institutions, is therefore extremely important.”

She said, “When violations occur, each agency has a role to play. NAFDAC ensures product safety and can enforce compliance through its regulatory powers. FCCPC protects consumer rights and ensures fairness in the marketplace. The National Orientation Agency helps amplify awareness by informing the public.

“Together, these roles reinforce one another. While NAFDAC focuses on the quality, safety, and efficacy of products, it is ultimately people who use those products. That is where FCCPC’s role becomes critical—protecting consumers and ensuring their voices are heard.

“Consumers have the right to complain, and those complaints help strengthen the regulatory system. This Memorandum of Understanding is a renewal of an existing framework, but with clearer provisions and stronger coordination mechanisms.”

She said, “However, beyond the document itself, what matters most is action. Agreements can be signed and left on the shelf, but without implementation, they remain theoretical.

“What we have seen instead is commitment in action—prompt responses to complaints, active engagement, and visible cooperation between agencies.Thatis the kind of leadership that makes a difference.

“Nigeria is fortunate to have institutions that are willing to work together in this way. Consumer protection requires more than policy—it requires responsiveness and accountability. To Nigerians watching, I want to assure you that your interests remain a priority.

“In terms of product quality, safety, and your rights as consumers, these institutions are working to protect you. FCCPC and NAFDAC are committed to ensuring that you are not taken for granted.

Earlier, Bello said the agreement would improve coordination in areas where consumer protection and product safety responsibilities overlap.

He explained that while the FCCPC protects consumers from unfair, deceptive and exploitative market practices, NAFDAC regulates the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and other regulated products.

He said the renewed partnership would support better information sharing, faster complaint handling, joint investigations and deeper technical collaboration between the agencies.

The FCCPC boss said, “For consumers, the benefits are clear. There will be more straightforward pathways for lodging complaints, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are not met.”

He added that effective regulation strengthens market confidence and fair competition, but noted that the success of the agreement would depend on implementation.

He said, “The real task lies in implementation. The systems established here must be used actively, reviewed regularly and strengthened where necessary.”

Bello further reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to working with NAFDAC and other institutions to protect consumers and promote fair, transparent and efficient markets across the country.

According to him, “The FCCPC is the principal authority responsible for protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, or exploitative market practices. It also promotes competition, investigates complaints, and enforces compliance across markets.

“NAFDAC, on the other hand, regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution, advertisement, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. Its focus is on safety, quality, and efficacy, ensuring that products meet required standards before and after they enter the market.

“In practice, the work of both agencies often intersects. Issues such as product safety, misleading claims, substandard goods, and deceptive advertising raise both public health and consumer protection concerns.

“For instance, the safety of products that reach the market is not only a public health matter under NAFDAC’s mandate, but also a consumer protection issue for FCCPC. Similarly, advertising claims relating to regulated products often require input from both agencies.”

He said, “Given this overlap, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) being executed today provides a practical framework for cooperation. It establishes clear mechanisms for information sharing, ensuring that both organisations have timely access to data for investigations, policy development, and enforcement.

“The agreement also streamlines complaint handling, removing the burden on consumers to determine which agency to approach. Complaints can now be received through a unified process and directed appropriately through clearly defined channels.

“Designated teams within both agencies will coordinate responses effectively while maintaining transparency for the public.”

Nonetheless, Bello said MoU marked the beginning of a process, noting that its success will depend on effective implementation—adding “systems must be actively used, regularly reviewed, and continuously improved. Ultimately, the impact of this partnership will be measured by tangible results for consumers”.

According to him, the MoU further supports capacity building through joint training and closer institutional engagement.

He said, “For consumers, the benefits are clear: simpler complaint processes, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are not met.

“For businesses, expectations are equally clear: compliance is essential, and alignment between both agencies will make enforcement more predictable and consistent.

Effective regulation is not only about enforcement—it also builds confidence.

“When consumers trust that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently. When businesses operate within clear and consistent rules, competition improves. This collaboration is designed to achieve those outcomes.”

 James Emejo