The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has achieved a critical international reaccreditation by the American Accreditation Board (ANAB) for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in Quality Management System.
What it means is that, testing and other outcomes, including for Covid-19 that emanate from the NIPRD will be recognised and accepted globally.
ISO certificate is valid till June 2022.
In a statement signed by the Director General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe, the institute achieved the reaccreditation amidst COVID 19 pandemic via remote assessment which was undertaken by a team headed by Professor Diallo Rassoulou from Canada.
According to the him, “it is noteworthy that this is the first time that this mode of assessment is being used in the entire region.”
Dr Adigwe attributed the achievement to the recently significantly improved Information Technology capabilities and competencies in the Institute.
The statement recalled that following his appointment as Dr. Adigwe engaged various partners and consequently almost all NIPRD staff have received new computers and have had access to relevant training.
Between 2013 to 2018 UNIDO assisted in establishment of the National Quality Infrastructure Project (NQIP) for Nigeria towards overcoming technical barrier to global trade for Nigerian goods including herbal and pharmaceutical products.
“Consequently, NIPRD was identified as a critical stakeholder of NQIP in the quality assessment of medicines, food and herbal products towards promoting international trade for those category of Nigerian goods.
“To achieve this, it was mandatory for NIPRD to attain global recognition as a conformity assessment body through establishment and implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System standard; and ultimately accreditation certification for competence of testing,” the DG said.
Dr. Adigwe applauded the support of the NCC, USAID and USP and other partners towards the reaccreditation, reiterating that, “NIPRD remains committed to sustaining and intensifying its activities towards the provision of affordable and high quality medicines which is the cornerstone for improving access to healthcare whilst stimulating national socio-economic objectives such as job creation and revenue generation.”
