Review of the Drug and Related Products Advertisement Regulations,2021

In an era where drug advertisements flood both traditional and digital media like Instagram, Facebook and X, the need for strong regulatory oversight has never been more urgent. Misleading claims and unverified promotions pose serious risks to public health, especially in a country as diverse and populous as Nigeria. In response, the Drug and Related Products Advertisement Regulations, 2021, introduced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), marks a decisive effort to bring clarity, accountability, and safety to the marketing of drug products.

Officially published in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette on July 7, 2021, the regulations are grounded in the authority of the NAFDAC Act (Cap. N1, LFN 2004) and the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act (Cap. F33, LFN 2004). These rules set out to transform how prescription and over-the-counter drugs are advertised, prioritizing truth, transparency, and the protection of consumers over promotional hype.

This review evaluates the regulations’ structure, content, legal implications, strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement, focusing on their clarity, enforceability, and alignment with Nigeria’s broader public health and legal frameworks.