Do I Need NAFDAC to Start a Food Business in Nigeria?

June 29, 2025

Thinking of selling packaged chin chin or zobo? Before you print that fancy label, you might need NAFDAC's green light.

Introduction: Why NAFDAC Matters

Every bite of packaged chin chin, zobo, or spice blend on Nigerian shelves carries more than just flavor—it carries a stamp of trust. That stamp is often the NAFDAC registration number. In a market flooded with homemade food products, consumers are becoming more cautious, and regulatory approval is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you're an entrepreneur bottling herbal drinks or packaging local snacks for sale, understanding NAFDAC's role could mean the difference between building a trusted brand or facing regulatory setbacks.

What is NAFDAC?

NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) was established in 1992 and empowered by Decree No. 15 of 1993 (amended by Decree No. 19 of 1999, now Cap N1 LFN 2004). Its mandate includes:

- Regulating and controlling the production, import, export, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, chemicals, and detergents.

- Ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products.

- Certifying production facilities and manufacturing processes.

- Registering products and issuing the famous NAFDAC registration number seen on packaging nationwide.

Do All Food Businesses Need NAFDAC?

Not exactly. Here's a quick breakdown:

Food Business Type	NAFDAC Required?
Raw food vendors (fruit sellers, buka)	Not required
Restaurants and caterers	Not required
Street food vendors (suya, puff puff)	Not required
Packaged/branded food (zobo, chin chin)	Required
Exporting food products	Required

So if your product is packaged, branded, and intended for mass distribution, then yes—you need NAFDAC approval.

How to Register with NAFDAC (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Register Your Business with CAC

You must first obtain a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate. Without this, you cannot proceed with a NAFDAC application.

2. Application & Documentation

a) Get forms from the NAFDAC e-portal or nearest state office and submit:

b) Application letter

c) CAC Certificate

d) Product labels (3 designs)

e) Trademark approval (optional but recommended)

f) Health certificates for food handlers

g) Fumigation certificate for production site

h) Product samples

3. Payment of Fees

i) Micro-scale food businesses: ~₦36,737

j) Single product: ₦15,000 (variants cost extra)

4. Facility Inspection & Sample Collection

NAFDAC will inspect your premises for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and collect product samples.

5. Laboratory Testing

Products are tested for safety, ingredient accuracy, and shelf stability. This stage can take up to 30 working days.

6. Final Review & Approval

If the lab results and inspection pass, NAFDAC issues a Registration Number and Certificate within approximately 90 working days.

7. Product Labeling & Launch

k) Ensure your label includes:

l) NAFDAC Registration Number

m) Manufacturing & expiry dates

n) Batch number

o) Ingredients

p) Storage instructions

Why NAFDAC Registration Is Worth It

1. Builds Consumer Trust

With increasing food safety concerns, customers are more likely to buy certified products. NAFDAC assures them your product meets quality standards.

2. Unlocks Bigger Markets

Supermarkets, pharmacies, and export channels require NAFDAC certification before stocking your product.

3. Protects Against Counterfeiting

Registration enables you to use anti-counterfeit measures like holograms or unique codes, protecting your brand from imitations.

4. Access to Technical Support

NAFDAC provides training on GMP, hygiene, quality assurance, and labeling for compliant businesses.

Final Advice to Food Entrepreneurs

"If you're building a food brand that’s made to last, don’t just go big—go legal." NAFDAC isn’t just red tape—it’s your ticket to building a reputable, scalable, and safe food business in Nigeria. With the right preparation, the process is clear, structured, and achievable.

So before you start printing that fancy label for your zobo or chin chin, make sure NAFDAC is part of your business journey.