By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to tackle counterfeit drugs in the country.
This agreement was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye.
Prof. Adeyeye was said to have explained that the move is part of the National Action Plan to prevent the distribution of medicines used for terrorism, banditry and violent extremism in Nigeria.
She said the MoU is significant in reducing deaths among youths, while also ensuring that potential hazardous chemical threats that could have adverse effects on lives were adequately managed.
Additionally, she said the MoU will ensure that the use of hazardous chemicals for malicious intent by non-state actors for development of weapons of mass destruction was prevented.
She thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for always identifying with NAFDAC and assured the Terrorism Centre of a more strengthened partnership.
The MoU is significant in reducing deaths among youths, while also ensuring that potential hazardous chemical threats that could have adverse effects on lives were adequately managed.
The statement also quoted the National Coordinator at the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu-Garba Laka, as saying that the MoU represents a commitment to shared goals, mutual support and effective cooperation.
According to him, the MoU signifies dedication to leveraging both agencies’ respective expertise, resources and capabilities to strengthen response to terrorism.
“By combining our efforts and forging a united front against terrorism, we are better equipped to confront this multifaceted challenge and uphold the safety and security of our country,” he said.
Mr. Laka said the MoU is to prevent radicalisation and protection of the society from the devastating impact of violent extremism.
He added that the partnership with NAFDAC would enhance information sharing, cooperation on intelligence as well as capacity building and joint operations.
