The call was made during a courtesy visit to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria customs by the Director General of the agency, Dr Paul Orhii. While thanking the Comptroller General for the support given to the agency since his assumption of office, the NAFDAC boss solicited closer working relationship with the Customs Service in order to improve the service delivery of the agency.
While thanking Dr Orhii for his visit, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Bernard Nwadiallo, harped on the importance of the agency and other regulatory bodies to collaborate in checkmating the importation of substandard goods into the country. He also acknowledged that while both agencies of government might have overlapping of functions, the ultimate beneficiary of a closer working relationship is the Nigerian populace.
While expressing his desires to take the agency to international standards by entering into information sharing agreement with countries where fake drugs are being manufactured, Dr Orhii also for canvassed for stiffer penalties for dealers in fake drugs which according to him, would serve as a deterrent to others who might want to follow suit.
The NAFDAC boss also revealed that the agency is currently working on some cutting edge technology which would make it easier to detect and apprehend dealers in fake drugs and other food items.
