The Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) in collaboration with the FCT Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday held a one-day Joint Sensitization Programme focused on educating Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (nMSMEs) on the registration procedures for food and cosmetic products and the importance of regulatory compliance.
In his welcome address, the Acting Managing Director/CEO of AEA, Dr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, emphasized that the event aimed not only to demystify product registration processes but also to promote adherence to best operational practices among nMSMEs.
According to a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Tortiv, Team Lead, Corporate Communications, Dr. Ugwuada-Ezirigwe highlighted the pivotal role of the AEA’s FCT MSME One-Stop Shop in enhancing the ease of doing business in the FCT. He noted that the facility serves to simplify MSME formalization and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“You will be pleased to know that this One-Stop Shop houses operational desks of key regulatory and financial institutions. These institutions serve and support MSMEs by providing essential certifications, licenses, and access to finance,” he stated. “We are delighted to have representatives from these institutions, including NAFDAC, present today to provide on-the-spot professional support.” Stated the MD.
Dr. Ugwuada-Ezirigwe expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State for their unwavering support in realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Director of Greater FCT-NAFDAC, Dr. Kenneth Azikiwe, revealed that upon assuming office, and with the directive of the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, he prioritized the establishment of an MSME Unit within the FCT Directorate. The unit’s core goal is to facilitate the registration of Low Risk Products (LRPs) and ensure they obtain NAFDAC numbers.
Dr. Azikiwe defined LRPs as items with minimal contamination risk and cited examples such as bread, cupcakes, chinchin, cookies, baking flour, popcorn, potato chips, plantain chips, and kulikuli. He encouraged entrepreneurs to consult the NAFDAC office for comprehensive lists of low and high-risk products.
He urged startups to pursue proper registration and trademarks while cautioning against falling prey to fraudulent consultants. “Don’t let anyone convince you to pay N200,000 for a NAFDAC number. How much profit can you make from packaged garri? That is criminal,” he warned.
One participant, Safiya Aliyu, shared her experience in an interview of being approached by a registration consultant who demanded N2 million for NAFDAC and trademark services while she was abroad. She praised the sensitization program as vital to protecting entrepreneurs from exploitation.
Other dignitaries present included Mr. Adegboyega Ossiyemi, Head of PR, Greater FCT-NAFDAC; Mr. Thomas Itsheme, Head of the MSME Unit, Greater FCT-NAFDAC; Hajia Aisha Girei, Desk Officer, FCT-MSME One-Stop Shop; and top management of AEA.
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