NAFDAC Drugs and Related Products Advertisement Regulations 2019

Regulations control the advertising of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria by requiring pre-approval and prohibiting misleading promotions. They target pharmaceutical companies, advertising agencies, media houses, and healthcare professionals. This ensures advertisements are truthful and protect public health.

What Is This Policy?

Regulations controlling the advertising of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria, requiring pre-approval of advertisements, prohibiting promotion of prescription drugs to consumers, and ensuring that drug advertising does not mislead.

Who Does It Target?

Pharmaceutical companies and their marketing teams Advertising agencies Media houses Healthcare professionals targeted by drug promotions

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure that pharmaceutical advertising is truthful, balanced, and not harmful to public health, with clear distinctions between over-the-counter and prescription drug promotion.

Key Features

Pre-Approval: All drug advertisements must be approved by NAFDAC before publication Prescription Drugs: Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medications is prohibited Balanced Information: Advertisements must include side effects and contraindications alongside benefits Healthcare Professional Advertising: Separate rules for promotional materials directed at doctors and pharmacists Traditional Medicines: Special provisions for advertising herbal and traditional medicine products

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All drug advertising in Nigeria Lead Agency: NAFDAC

How to Access

Submit advertisements to NAFDAC for vetting before use. Prepare advertisement materials with required safety information Submit to NAFDAC Advertisement Vetting Committee Broadcast or publish only after receiving approval

Official Resources

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

Legal Framework

The NAFDAC Drugs and Related Products Advertisement Regulations 2019 are issued under the NAFDAC Act and operate alongside the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act 2022, the Consumer Protection Council Act, and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act. International alignment is with the WHO Ethical Criteria for Medicinal Drug Promotion (1988), the IFPMA Code of Practice on Pharmaceutical Marketing, and Codex Alimentarius food advertising standards.