How Much Does it Cost to Register a Product with NAFDAC?

If you’re planning to launch a product in Nigeria, whether it’s a bottle of herbal juice, a pack of cosmetics, or a box of medication, one name you’ll quickly get familiar with is NAFDAC. That’s the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the government body that ensures the products Nigerians consume are safe, effective, and properly labeled.

But one question often comes up, how much does it actually cost to register a product with NAFDAC? The short answer? It depends. The long answer is what this article is here to walk you through.

Why is NAFDAC registration necessary?

Before we talk money, let’s be clear about why this process even exists.

NAFDAC is the gatekeeper for regulated products in Nigeria. That includes, Food and beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Medical devices, Chemicals, Veterinary products, and Packaged water.

If you’re manufacturing or importing any of these, registering with NAFDAC isn’t optional, it’s the law. Without this approval, your product can’t legally be sold in the Nigerian market. You also risk having it seized or destroyed if caught.

Beyond legality, NAFDAC registration is also about credibility. It tells retailers, partners, and consumers that your product meets safety and quality standards. For many entrepreneurs, it’s the difference between staying small and going mainstream.

How much does it cost?Now to the part everyone wants to know: the actual cost.

NAFDAC fees vary based on the type of product and sometimes the scale of your business. Here’s a breakdown of the standard registration fees:

Product TypeRegistration FeePharmaceuticals₦70,000Orphan drugs₦25,000Food₦50,000Cosmetics₦50,000Medical devices₦30,000Chemicals/Insecticides₦40,000Veterinary products₦70,000Packaged water₦50,000Microscale businesses registering food products can pay as low as ₦36,000, but that typically doesn’t include other charges like inspection, lab testing, or VAT.

So while the base registration fee is important, the total cost of getting your NAFDAC number can go higher when you factor in Laboratory analysis, Facility inspection, VAT and other administrative fees.

What’s involved in the process?You don’t just walk into NAFDAC, pay a fee, and walk out with a certificate. The process is rigorous, as it should be when public health is on the line.

Here’s a general roadmap:

1. Determine Your Product CategoryYour product must fall under a NAFDAC-regulated category. If you’re not sure, start with some research or get advice from a compliance consultant.

2. Register on NAPAMSYou’ll need to use the NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS). This is where you submit your application, upload documents, and track your approval status.

3. Prepare and Submit Required DocumentsThese often include:

Application letter

Certificate of Incorporation

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Evidence

Certificate of Analysis (for food or drugs)

Trademark certificate

Product samples

Fumigation certificate (for locally manufactured products)

Free Sale Certificate (for imported goods)
4. Pay the FeesFees must be paid through designated bank accounts or NAFDAC’s online platform. Keep your receipts, they’re part of the documentation.

5. Facility Inspection & SamplingNAFDAC officials will visit your facility (or warehouse) to ensure it’s fit for manufacturing, storing, or importing the product. They’ll also collect samples for lab analysis.

6. Laboratory TestingThis part checks whether your product meets safety and quality standards. For example:

Food products are tested for nutritional content and microbial safety.

Drugs go through stability tests and may require clinical data.

Cosmetics need ingredient verification and safety profiling.
7. Final Review and ApprovalIf everything checks out, you’ll be issued a NAFDAC Registration Number, the golden seal that shows your product is certified for the Nigerian market.

How long does it take?The average timeline for registration ranges from 90 to 120 working days. That’s roughly 4 to 6 months. Here’s what that process looks like in a simplified timeline:

Document Verification – 10 days

Facility Inspection & Sample Collection – 10 to 20 days

Laboratory Testing – 20 to 30 days

Final Vetting & Approval – 20 days
But this timeline assumes there are no mistakes or delays in your documentation. If your paperwork isn’t complete or your facility doesn’t meet standards, the process can stretch far longer.

Tips to Keep Costs Down and Speed Things UpGet Your Documents Right the First Time
Mistakes in application forms or missing documents are the biggest sources of delay. Double-check everything.

Understand the Category Requirements
Don’t assume the same rules apply across the board. For instance, drugs require more rigorous testing than cosmetics.

Engage a Regulatory Consultant (If Needed)
If you’re new to the process, it may be wise to work with someone who knows the ropes.

Plan for Extra Costs
Registration is just one part. Budget for inspections, testing, packaging adjustments, and potential re-submissions.
Who’s in charge?As of April 2025, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye is the Director-General of NAFDAC. A respected pharmacist and academic, she’s been spearheading efforts to modernize the agency’s systems and make the registration process more transparent and efficient.

Registering your product with NAFDAC isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a critical step toward building a sustainable business in Nigeria. Yes, the fees can add up, and the process may feel slow, but it’s all part of ensuring what hits the market is safe, trustworthy, and legal.

If you’re serious about taking your product from concept to shelf, understanding the cost and commitment of NAFDAC registration is non-negotiable. And when done right? It’s an investment that pays off.