NAFDAC launches committees in 32 States to regulate breast milk substitute marketing

NIGERIA – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has established Breast Milk Substitutes (BMS) State Multi-Sectoral Technical Committees in 32 Nigerian states.

The move aims to advance its goal to enforce national and international standards for breastfeeding and infant nutrition. 

This initiative, launched by NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, focuses on the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, which aims to control aggressive marketing practices and promote breastfeeding. 

Breastfeeding, Prof. Adeyeye emphasized, is crucial for the health of both infants and mothers, offering protective benefits against various infectious and non-communicable diseases, and supporting cognitive and psychosocial development. 

It is also vital for maternal health, providing protection against breast cancer and aiding in weight regulation.

The inauguration of the committees aligns with recent advocacy efforts by organizations such as the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) and FHI 360’s Alive & Thrive, both of which have called for stricter adherence to the BMS marketing code. 

These organizations emphasize that regulating breast milk substitute advertising is essential to safeguarding breastfeeding practices, which are foundational for infants’ optimal nutrition and immune support.

The committees, comprising stakeholders from various sectors, including government bodies, health organizations like WHO and UNICEF, development partners, and civil society, reflect a broad commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s infant nutrition policies. 

State-level BMS Desk Officer Rahila Maishanu highlighted that committee members would monitor adherence to the code and enforce national regulations, imposing penalties on violators to ensure compliance. 

“This decentralized approach is intended to make the regulations more effective across Nigeria’s diverse regions.”

Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, added that this virtual rollout, along with in-person inaugurations in states like Lagos and Kaduna, demonstrates NAFDAC’s dedication to overcoming logistical and funding challenges in its mission to improve infant and child health nationwide. 

The virtual launch was attended by over 300 participants, reflecting wide-ranging support for the initiative from both local and international partners committed to improving Nigeria’s public health through enhanced infant nutrition practices.

Breastfeeding rates in Nigeria, while improving, still face challenges. As of 2021, only 34% of Nigerian children under six months were exclusively breastfed, a significant increase from previous years but still short of the World Health Organization’s target of 50% by 2025.

In addition to the BMS State Technical Committees, investments in Nigeria’s healthcare and nutrition infrastructure are expanding. In 2024, Nigeria’s government attracted US$4.8 billion in health sector investments, including new hospital facilities and nutritional programs.

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