By Gbenga Sodeinde/Nigeria
The repeated failures of regulatory agencies like NAFDAC in Nigeria raise serious concerns about the state of governance and accountability in the country. Dr. Alexcolman Apunike, an Industrial Pharmacist and Biochemist at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, brings attention to these issues and calls for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of the Nigerian population.
Regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC play a crucial role in safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, drugs, and other consumer products. However, recent events have highlighted significant lapses in their oversight responsibilities, leading to questions about their effectiveness and accountability.
Dr. Apunike raises concerns about the repeated failures of NAFDAC and compares it to other governmental setups like INEC. Despite receiving salaries, the apparent lack of accountability and the prevalence of absurdities in Nigeria’s regulatory landscape are alarming. These failures not only undermine public trust but also pose serious risks to public health and safety.
Nigeria’s problems extend beyond regulatory failures and are multifacetedly man-made. Dr. Apunike questions why Nigeria or Africa should be neglected or differentiated when it comes to global standards. The lack of adherence to international standards raises serious questions about governance and the commitment to public welfare.
Dr. Apunike calls for accountability and standardization in Nigeria’s regulatory processes. He suggests that the government or NAFDAC be held liable for their negligence, disease outbreaks, or carelessness. Certain aspects, such as public health and safety, should not be negotiable, and urgent action is needed to address these systemic issues.
The absence of responsibility in Nigeria is a cause for concern. Dr. Apunike questions the sense of self-awareness among Nigerians and highlights the potential consequences of regulatory failures. The normalization of absurdity in Nigeria’s governance structure is detrimental and requires immediate attention.
The concerns raised by Dr. Apunike shed light on the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s regulatory framework. Accountability, standardization, and a renewed sense of responsibility are essential to address systemic issues and ensure the well-being of the Nigerian population.
It is imperative for the government and regulatory agencies to prioritize public health and safety and take decisive actions to restore public trust and confidence.