The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) executed a significant operation in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, resulting in the closure of two chemical outlets found to be operating in violation of established regulations. Golden Juliros Nigeria Ltd., situated on Evbiemwen Street, and Onebamchi Chemicals, located in Ramat Park market, were targeted due to their long-standing failure to comply with NAFDAC’s licensing and safety requirements. The operation was a collaborative effort involving NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Unit from Asaba and personnel from the agency’s Edo office. The closures underscore NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring public safety by regulating the distribution and sale of chemicals, a critical aspect of its mandate.
The core issue leading to the closures was the outlets’ operation without the mandatory chemical listing, a form of licensing required by NAFDAC for all entities dealing in chemicals. This listing process entails meeting specific criteria designed to safeguard both the handlers of chemicals and the public. These prerequisites include registering as a legal entity in Nigeria, possessing adequate warehousing facilities for safe chemical storage, employing trained personnel, and adhering to other safety protocols. According to Esther Itua, the Edo State Coordinator for NAFDAC, both Golden Juliros Nigeria Ltd. and Onebamchi Chemicals had been under surveillance for an extended period, demonstrating a persistent disregard for these essential requirements despite repeated advice and encouragement from the agency to comply.
NAFDAC emphasizes the importance of chemical listing as a mechanism to monitor and control the distribution, sale, and handling of chemicals. This licensing process is not merely bureaucratic but serves as a crucial safeguard against potential hazards associated with improper chemical management. By ensuring that businesses handling chemicals adhere to established safety standards, NAFDAC aims to mitigate risks to public health and the environment. The agency’s proactive approach, including surveillance and enforcement actions, reflects its dedication to preventing potential harm arising from the unregulated handling of potentially hazardous substances.
The case of Golden Juliros Nigeria Ltd. highlights the gravity of the situation. Despite operating a well-located facility, the company failed to provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for its staff, including basic nose masks. This negligent practice exposes workers to potential health risks associated with chemical exposure and demonstrates a disregard for basic safety protocols. The fact that the company had been operating for years without the requisite licensing and safety measures underscores the critical need for NAFDAC’s intervention to protect both employees and the public. The agency’s decision to seal the premises reflects its commitment to holding businesses accountable for their compliance with safety regulations.
The involvement of NAFDAC’s task force from Asaba indicates the scale and significance of the operation targeting these two chemical outlets. The deployment of a specialized team from a different location suggests that these businesses were considered major players in the chemical trade within Edo State. The decision to involve a higher-level enforcement unit underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to addressing non-compliance effectively and efficiently, demonstrating the agency’s proactive stance in curtailing the illegal trade and unsafe handling of chemicals.
In conclusion, the closure of these two chemical outlets in Benin City represents a significant step taken by NAFDAC to uphold its regulatory mandate and protect public safety. The agency’s consistent efforts to engage with the businesses and encourage compliance, followed by decisive enforcement action, highlight the importance of adhering to chemical handling regulations. This operation serves as a clear message to all businesses operating within the chemical sector that NAFDAC is committed to enforcing its regulations and ensuring the safe and responsible handling of chemicals to protect public health and the environment. The agency’s actions demonstrate a proactive approach to preventing potential hazards and holding businesses accountable for their compliance with essential safety standards.
