NASS moves against harassment of NAFDAC officials

The House of Representatives recently passed a Bill against the harassment of officials of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) by members of the public in the course of their official duty.
The Bill, which is sponsored by the Member Representing Eket Federal Constituency, Hon Bassey Dan. Abia (Jnr) got an overwhelming support of members during the debate and attracts a fine of N100, 000 or three years imprisonment or both for any person who obstructs NAFDAC officials in the performance of their duties. 

The new legislation now supersedes the earlier bar on N5000 and or two years imprisonment provided in the NAFDAC Act of 2004. Accordingly, the endorsement of the new provision came as the lawmakers passed for second reading a bill meant to strengthen the agency.

Under the new law, the period of experience for the appointment of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been pegged at 15 years. The law also provides an amendment to make the representatives of the Inspector- General of Police and the Comptroller –General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), members of the governing council of NAFDAC.

The amendment bill, in order to avoid any abuse of office by the minister of health, deleted provision in Section 17, which states that the minister may issue to the agency directives as he may think necessary as to the disposal of any surplus funds of the agency. The house further made an amendment by making an insertion to Section 8, which makes it mandatory for the agency to seek and obtain the approval of the minister before a new directorate is created as well as guard against abuse of powers by the boss of the agency.

While the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Health for further legislative work, it is reported that a final report will be submitted for consideration of the whole House. Meanwhile, majority of the lawmakers who spoke on the general principles of the bill said the amendments would effectively position NAFDAC in the discharge of its functions.