Comprehension: Consumer Protection Agencies Basic 6 English Studies Lesson Note

NAFDAC: Protecting Nigerian Consumers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is one of Nigeria’s most important consumer protection agencies. Established in 1993, NAFDAC works tirelessly to ensure that food, drugs, cosmetics, and chemicals sold in Nigeria meet safety standards.

What NAFDAC Does: NAFDAC’s primary responsibility is to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, and sale of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals. The agency conducts regular inspections of factories, markets, and pharmacies to ensure products are safe for public consumption.

One of NAFDAC’s most visible activities is the destruction of fake and expired products. These public displays serve as warnings to both consumers and manufacturers. In 2023 alone, NAFDAC destroyed counterfeit drugs worth over 4 billion naira, protecting millions of Nigerians from potentially dangerous substances.

How NAFDAC Protects You: When you see the NAFDAC registration number on any product, it means the item has been tested and approved as safe. This number usually appears as “NAFDAC REG NO” followed by a series of letters and numbers. Before buying medicines, cosmetics, or processed foods, always look for this important marking.

NAFDAC also educates the public about product safety through radio programs, television advertisements, and school visits. Their motto “Safe food, safe drugs, healthy nation” reminds everyone of their commitment to public health.

Similar Agencies Worldwide: Like NAFDAC in Nigeria, other countries have similar agencies. The United States has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while the United Kingdom has the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). These agencies collaborate internationally to share information about dangerous products.

Your Role as a Consumer: As informed consumers, we must always check for NAFDAC registration numbers before purchasing products. Report suspicious or fake products to NAFDAC offices in your area. Remember, if a product’s price seems too good to be true, it might be counterfeit.

NAFDAC’s work saves lives and protects families from harmful products. By supporting their efforts and making informed choices, we all contribute to a safer Nigeria.

Exercise H – Comprehension Questions

Answer these questions based on the passage:

1. When was NAFDAC established?
2. What does NAFDAC stand for?
3. What is NAFDAC’s primary responsibility?
4. How much money worth of counterfeit drugs did NAFDAC destroy in 2023?
5. What should consumers look for on products to ensure safety?
6. What is NAFDAC’s motto?

Exercise I – Vocabulary from Passage

Match these words with their meanings:

1. regulate a. false or fake products
2. counterfeit b. working together
3. tirelessly c. control and manage
4. collaborate d. things used by people
5. consumers e. without getting tired

Exercise J – True or False

Write T (True) or F (False):

1. NAFDAC only deals with food products. ___
2. The NAFDAC registration number shows a product is safe. ___
3. Other countries don’t have agencies like NAFDAC. ___
4. NAFDAC educates the public about product safety. ___
5. Consumers have no role in product safety. ___