Addressing food and medication quality control challenges in Nigeria: Insights and recommendations

Abstract

Nigeria faces significant challenges in ensuring the quality control of both food and medication, which directly impact public health and safety. This review provides insights into the prevailing issues and offers recommendations to address these pressing concerns. Firstly, regarding food quality control, Nigeria grapples with issues such as contamination, adulteration, and inadequate monitoring along the supply chain. These problems lead to widespread instances of foodborne illnesses and undermine consumer confidence. Furthermore, the lack of standardized protocols and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates the situation, allowing substandard products to proliferate in the market. Similarly, the medication quality control landscape in Nigeria is riddled with challenges including counterfeit drugs, poor storage conditions, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Counterfeit medications not only fail to treat illnesses effectively but also contribute to antimicrobial resistance, posing a grave threat to public health. Moreover, the absence of robust pharmacovigilance systems hampers the detection and reporting of adverse drug reactions, further compromising patient safety. To address these multifaceted challenges, a comprehensive approach is imperative. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing surveillance systems, investing in laboratory infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and education initiatives are vital to empower consumers with knowledge about safe food and medication practices. In conclusion, tackling food and medication quality control challenges in Nigeria demands concerted efforts from various stakeholders. By implementing the proposed recommendations, Nigeria can safeguard public health, mitigate economic losses, and foster sustainable development.