The Edo State Government has allocated a parcel of land to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the siting of the agency’s office in Edo State, reassuring that his administration will provide the certificate of occupancy (C-of-O) within seven days.
The governor disclosed this when he received the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State capital.
Obaseki noted that given the vital role the agency plays in the regulation of food and drugs, it was necessary for the state to have its own office to help fight fake and substandard drugs, food and medicines.
Governor Obaseki said: “I have approved the allocation; it’s just for you to go for an inspection on the land. I promise you that within seven days you will get your C-of-O. We are hoping that your office will have the complement of a full laboratory so with that, you will help to bring investment into the State.”
Earlier, the NAFDAC DG said the land allocation to the agency will help it further its mandate of ensuring safe food and drugs at the state level.
She noted: “Seven states’ offices have been constructed and five more including Edo State office, which were provided for in the nation’s 2020 budget, are to be constructed.
“The unavailability of land for the project has delayed the project,” she added.
Adeyeye continued: “The mandate is to control importation, exportation, manufacturing, destruction, advertisement, sales and use of seven regulated products, which include drugs, food, wine and beverages as well as chemicals.
“We have made our priority to investigate unwholesome drinks, food and substandard medicine. The strong presence of NAFDAC in Benin is needed as it will go a long way to check fake products and minimise it.”
