Many aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria are discouraged from venturing into the food, drug, cosmetics, or chemical industries due to the perceived complexity of the NAFDAC registration process. While some attempt to bypass the procedures by cutting corners, doing so can expose a business to serious consequences; from legal sanctions to product confiscations and reputational damage.
However, registering with NAFDAC doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right information and a clear roadmap, business owners can secure their certification smoothly, ensuring their products are safe, credible, and market-ready.
This article breaks down everything you need to know to get your NAFDAC certification in 2025, including document requirements, timelines, and applicable fees.
Why NAFDAC Certification is Crucial
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is the federal body responsible for regulating the production, importation, distribution, and advertisement of consumable goods in Nigeria. Without NAFDAC approval, businesses risk:
- Product bans and recalls
- Factory shutdowns
- Legal action or fines
- Loss of consumer trust
- Ineligibility for major market opportunities
If your business involves consumable products (food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, etc.), you must comply with NAFDAC regulations.
NAFDAC Registration Requirements (2025)
For Micro-Scale Businesses:
- Business registration certificate from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Site Use Agreement (if applicable)
- Trademark Approval Certificate
- Product sample and three product labels
- Fumigation Certificate
- Proof of payment for registration
- Food Handlers’ or Medical Fitness Certificates for staff (must include tests like Widal, stool, urine, sputum, and Hepatitis B)
For Small-Scale and Medium Enterprises:
In addition to the micro-scale requirements:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for quality control, cleaning, and packaging
- Certificates of Analysis for raw materials and finished products
- Upload all documents to the NAFDAC e-registration portal
Step-by-Step Process for NAFDAC Registration
-
Get the Registration Form and Guidelines
- Visit: nafdac.gov.ng/our-services/msme
- Or collect the form from any NAFDAC State Office
-
Prepare and Submit Documents
- Completed application form
- CAC Certificate
- Site Use Agreement (if applicable)
- Trademark certificate
- Product samples and labels
- Fumigation certificate
- Payment receipt via Remita
- Food handler/medical certificates for staff
-
Obtain Payment Advice and Make Payment
- Contact your NAFDAC desk officer for guidance on the exact amount to pay
- Make payment on Remita, then submit receipts to the NAFDAC Accounts Department
-
Facility Inspection and Product Sampling
- Schedule an inspection date
- Ensure your facility meets Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP)
- Product samples will be collected for laboratory testing
-
Wait for Laboratory Analysis and Vetting
- Food products: 30 working days
- Drug products: 40 working days
-
Approval and Issuance of Certificate
- Once your product passes all checks, your NAFDAC Registration Number will be issued
- Process duration:
- Food products: 90 days
- Drugs/Medical products: 120 days
Labelling Guidelines
Make sure your product labels contain the following:
- Product name
- Net weight or volume
- Batch number
- Manufacturing and expiry dates
- List of ingredients
- Allergy information (if any)
- Storage instructions
- Space for NAFDAC Registration Number
- Manufacturer’s contact details
NAFDAC Registration Fees (2025 Overview)
| Service | Fee (N) |
| Single Product Registration | N15,000 |
| Product Variants | N5,000 per version |
| 2-5 products | N29,700 |
| More than 5 products | N103,950 |
| Certified True Copy (per page) | N5,000 |
For Product Variants:
- Food/Cosmetics: ₦22,000
- Medicines: ₦22,000
Clinical Trial Fees:
- Application Fee: ₦250,000
- Inspection Fee: ₦350,000
- Self-Funded Individual Trials (Local): ₦50,000
- Institutional Grant-Aided Trials: ₦300,000
- Study Extension: ₦50,000
Timeline Summary of NAFDAC Registration
| Stage | Duration |
| Application & Document Verification | 10 days |
| Facility Inspection & Sampling (Food) | 10 days |
| Facility Inspection & Sampling (Drug) | 20 days |
| Laboratory Analysis (Food) | 30 days |
| Laboratory Analysis (Drug) | 40 days |
| Final Vetting | 10 days |
| Approval Meeting & Certificate Issuance | 20 days |
Important to Know
NAFDAC was established in October 1992 to combat the circulation of fake and substandard products in Nigeria. Its creation followed a health crisis in 1990 where 109 children died after consuming toxic paracetamol syrup contaminated with diethylene glycol.
Since then, NAFDAC has worked to safeguard public health by enforcing strict regulations in the consumables industry. Compliance not only protects your customers; it also helps your business grow legally and sustainably.
Conclusion
Registering your product with NAFDAC is a necessary and achievable step toward building a credible, profitable business in Nigeria. By following these clear steps and complying with regulatory standards, you ensure your brand is recognized, trusted, and competitive in both local and international markets.
For more information or to begin your registration, visit the official NAFDAC MSME portal.
