Medical Lab Scientists Challenge NAFDAC's Blood Regulation

Medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria have raised concerns regarding the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), accusing it of attempting to take exclusive control over blood transfusion regulation. This accusation follows a press release from NAFDAC on 13 August 2026, titled ‘NAFDAC Strengthens Regulatory Oversight of Blood and Blood Products to Safeguard Public Health.’ The statement, signed by Dr. Fewudu I.

U. Miidlu, emphasized that while the group supports improving blood safety and quality, it insists that product regulation should not be conflated with professional regulation.

The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Act No. 11 of 2003 grants MLSCN the authority to regulate blood transfusion science. The group cited the National Blood Service Commission Act 2021, which outlines the governance of blood transfusion services and recognizes the roles of various stakeholders, including NAFDAC.

They warned that overlapping regulatory responsibilities could lead to conflicts and increased healthcare costs, urging MLSCN to clarify NAFDAC's position and protect the statutory role of medical laboratory scientists.