Tinubu Commends NAFDAC for Sustaining WHO Maturity Level 3 Status

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for retaining the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status for the regulation of medicines and vaccines, describing the achievement as a milestone in Nigeria’s public health advancement.

The WHO confirmed on June 30, 2025, that NAFDAC had maintained its ML3 rating for the regulation of medicines and non-producing vaccines.

This designation means Nigeria’s regulatory system is considered stable, well-functioning, and integrated into the global framework. The confirmation followed a re-benchmarking exercise conducted in November 2024 and a series of Institutional Development Plan review meetings between February and May 2025.

In a statement on Monday, President Tinubu commended NAFDAC’s leadership and staff for their professionalism, consistency, and dedication to safeguarding public health.

He said the recognition not only reflects the agency’s hard work but also validates the government’s investment in strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory institutions.

“This achievement elevates Nigeria’s standing in global health security and pandemic preparedness,” the president noted, adding that it would enhance the nation’s capacity to participate in international medical and vaccine production partnerships.

The WHO’s maturity level evaluation is a key benchmark for assessing the ability of national regulatory authorities to oversee medicines and vaccines effectively.

Retaining ML3 keeps Nigeria among the countries with strong and reliable regulatory systems, a status that can facilitate quicker access to essential medicines and attract pharmaceutical investment.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting NAFDAC and other health agencies to achieve even higher global recognition, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda for healthcare reform.