An economic and regulatory affairs analyst, Mr Joel Alalade, has warned that the proposed amendment to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Act could create regulatory confusion, increase business costs and undermine Nigeria’s ease of doing business.

Alalade raised the concerns while reacting to the public hearing on Senate Bill 952 (SB 952) at the National Assembly, arguing that some provisions of the proposed legislation could introduce overlapping responsibilities among government regulatory agencies.

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He described the proposed changes as a potential source of institutional disorder and policy complications, warning that they could make operating businesses in Nigeria more difficult.

The analyst, however, acknowledged the importance of strengthening regulatory institutions to protect public health and consumer safety, stressing that legislative reforms should promote clarity, efficiency and coordination rather than duplicate existing responsibilities.

According to him, regulations should provide certainty for businesses, investors and consumers, while clearly defining the responsibilities of the agencies involved.

“The objective of regulation should be to provide certainty and confidence for businesses, investors, and consumers. However, where multiple agencies are empowered to perform similar functions, the result can be regulatory confusion, increased cost of compliance, and uncertainty for operators,” he stated.

Reviewing the proposed NAFDAC amendment, Alalade identified tobacco product control, enforcement and monitoring as areas where the bill could create overlapping regulatory responsibilities.

He argued that Nigeria already has established tobacco control legislation and institutions responsible for implementing related regulations, adding that introducing additional authorities without clearly defined boundaries could result in duplication and weaken regulatory effectiveness.

“The number of agencies involved does not determine effective regulation, but rather how clearly responsibilities are defined and how efficiently those responsibilities are implemented. Duplication of regulatory roles can slow decision-making, increase administrative complexity, and create uncertainty for businesses operating within the legal framework,” he said.

Alalade further warned that regulatory uncertainty could have wider implications for Nigeria’s economy, particularly as the country seeks to attract investment, expand local manufacturing and improve its competitiveness as a business destination.

He explained that investors depend on predictable regulatory frameworks when making decisions about capital commitments, production and long-term business operations.

“Investors require predictable regulatory environments. When businesses are uncertain about which agency has final authority or when compliance obligations overlap, it can affect investment decisions, production planning, and long-term business confidence,” he explained.

The analyst called for regulatory reforms that align with international best practices, where government agencies operate within clearly defined mandates while maintaining effective cooperation to achieve shared policy objectives.

He also maintained that protecting public health and promoting economic growth should not be treated as conflicting priorities.

“Public health protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. The challenge is to create regulations that protect citizens while maintaining a transparent, coordinated, and investment-friendly environment,” he added.

Alalade urged lawmakers and policymakers to undertake broader consultations with relevant stakeholders before passing the proposed amendment, noting that its economic, regulatory and institutional implications required careful examination.

He also called on the National Assembly to ensure that the legislation strengthens Nigeria’s regulatory system without creating unnecessary barriers for legitimate businesses.

“The National Assembly has an important responsibility to ensure that new legislation strengthens Nigeria’s regulatory architecture rather than complicates it. A law designed to improve oversight must not unintentionally create confusion, duplication, or barriers to legitimate business activities,” he concluded.

The proposed Senate Bill on Food, Medical Products and Other Regulated Products Act 2026 (SB 952) has passed its second reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Banigo, for further scrutiny.

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The bill is expected to undergo further legislative examination as lawmakers consider its proposed changes to the regulation of food, medical products and other regulated products in Nigeria.