Marketing (Breast-Milk Substitutes) Act

An Act regulates the marketing of breast-milk substitutes in Nigeria, restricting advertising and free samples to protect breastfeeding. It targets formula manufacturers, healthcare workers, and mothers. This promotes infant health by encouraging breastfeeding.

What Is This Policy?

Legislation that regulates the marketing and promotion of breast-milk substitutes (infant formula) in Nigeria, protecting breastfeeding by restricting advertising, free samples, and promotional practices by formula manufacturers.

Who Does It Target?

Infant formula manufacturers and distributors Healthcare facilities and workers Mothers and caregivers of infants NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect and promote breastfeeding by preventing aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes that could discourage mothers from breastfeeding, in line with the WHO International Code.

Key Features

Advertising Restrictions: Prohibition of advertising infant formula to the general public Free Sample Ban: No free samples of breast-milk substitutes may be given to mothers or health facilities Health Worker Provisions: Health workers may not promote formula or receive incentives from manufacturers Labelling Requirements: Formula labels must carry statements on the superiority of breastfeeding and correct preparation instructions Monitoring: Enforcement of compliance with marketing restrictions

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active with ongoing enforcement challenges Coverage: All manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare facilities Lead Agency: NAFDAC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health Partners: UNICEF, WHO, breastfeeding advocacy groups

How to Access

The Act restricts how formula is marketed; consumers and health workers should be aware of their rights. Report violations of marketing restrictions to NAFDAC Health facilities should refuse promotional materials from formula companies

Official Resources

Website: nafdac.gov.ng Contact: NAFDAC, Abuja

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Implements the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO/UNICEF 1981). Operates alongside the National Health Act 2014, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 1993, and the Consumer Protection Act.