The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to stop issuing licenses for the importation of foreign manufactured needles and syringes into the country.

Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa issued the directive in a circular, mandating all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) to procure needles and syringes solely from NAFDAC-approved local manufacturers.

The Minister said the directive was aimed at boosting domestic production and shielding the country’s manufacturing sector from the influx of foreign goods.