10/09/2025
Nigeria Drug Registration Pathways – Clear Guide
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) manages medicine importation and marketing in Nigeria.
The right pathway helps manufacturers avoid delays and enter the market with confidence.
1. Full Registration with NAFDAC
This is for new manufacturers whose products and facilities have not yet been audited.
Outcome Marketing Authorization is valid for 5 years.
Timeline
About 6–9 months, including dossier review, lab testing, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection.
2. Renewal of Marketing Authorization
For already registered products approaching expiry.
Outcome Extension for another 5 years.
Timeline
Apply 3–6 months before expiry with safety and pharmacovigilance data.
3. Post Approval Changes and Line Extensions
This is for changes in site, process, composition, packaging, or when adding new strengths.
Outcome
Approved variation or extension keeps the license valid.
4. Import Permit for Clinical Trials
For investigational products in approved trials.
Outcome
Permit to import limited quantities.
Timeline requires ethics approval and NAFDAC trial authorization, usually within a few weeks.
5. Port Fast Track Clearance
For registered products or materials.
Outcome: Quicker clearance within 24–48 hours.
6. Pre-Shipment Inspection and CRIA
For imports from countries like India and China, where NAFDAC recognizes accredited agents.
Outcome: Smoother border clearance and better documentation.
7. Technical Standards
Applications must go through the NAFDAC Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS) in Common Technical Document (CTD) format.
Module 1 requires corporate records, a Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product, a GMP certificate, and a Power of Attorney.
Generics must show bioequivalence or a valid waiver.
How AfriPharm Medicals Group Helps
AfriPharm Medicals Group partners with international manufacturers to:
Confirm eligibility and product class before filing
Run gap analysis on dossiers and documents
Prepare sites for GMP inspections.
File and track submissions on NAPAMS
Coordinate lab tests, CRIA, and port clearance
Maintain renewals, pharmacovigilance, and variations
With AfriPharm, global manufacturers can move from first interest to product launch in Nigeria within predictable timelines.
Connect with AfriPharm Medicals Group today to explore regulatory and distribution opportunities in Nigeria’s $4B pharmaceutical market.