Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with NAFDAC. This is general information, not legal advice — register and verify products only through official NAFDAC channels (nafdac.gov.ng and the NAPAMS portal). Fees, timelines and requirements vary by product category and change — confirm the current tariff on the official portal, and beware agents charging inflated fees.
Step 1: categorise your product
First, correctly identify your product category — food, drug, cosmetic, medical device, chemical, or packaged water — because requirements, fees and timelines differ by category.
Step 2: register on NAPAMS
Register your company and product on the NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS) portal via nafdac.gov.ng. Your business should be CAC-registered first.
Step 3: upload documents & pay
Complete the online form, upload the required documents for your category (see requirements), and pay the fees per the official tariff (this may include inspection and lab-testing fees).
Step 4: inspection & lab testing
NAFDAC will inspect your facility (which must meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards) and collect samples for laboratory testing (e.g. microbiological, chemical, stability).
Step 5: NAFDAC number & certificate
Once your product passes inspection and testing and the application is reviewed, NAFDAC issues a certificate and a NAFDAC registration number to place on your label. The certificate is valid 5 years.
Tips
- Get the category right — it drives everything.
- Ensure your facility meets GMP before inspection.
- Submit complete, accurate documents to avoid delays.
Set up your NAPAMS account
All product registration runs through NAFDAC's online portal, NAPAMS (NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System) at registration.nafdac.gov.ng. Before you can create a company account you need your business registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) — you'll enter your CAC number, TIN and company details. One account can then hold applications for several products, submitted one dossier per product. Set this up early, because nothing else can start until your account is approved.
The full process, step by step
Once your account is live, registration follows a predictable chain:
- Apply per product — complete the form and upload documents (label, batch formulation, application letter to the Director-General, and category-specific papers).
- Pay the fee — generate an invoice and pay via Remita/designated bank; upload proof.
- Document verification — NAFDAC screens your submission for completeness.
- Facility inspection — your premises are inspected against Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
- Product sampling & laboratory analysis — samples are drawn and tested for safety and quality.
- Vetting & approval — on success, NAFDAC issues your registration number and certificate.
Common causes of delay
Most hold-ups are avoidable and self-inflicted: incomplete documentation, label non-compliance, GMP deficiencies found at inspection, and laboratory backlogs. Get your documents and label right before you submit, prepare your facility for inspection in advance, and respond quickly to any query. And ignore anyone promising to “fast-track” approval for a fee — registration is an official process you can complete directly. See the realistic timeline to plan around.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register a product with NAFDAC?
Categorise your product, register your company and product on the NAPAMS portal, upload the required documents, pay the fees, undergo facility inspection and lab testing, and receive your NAFDAC number and certificate.
What is NAPAMS?
The NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System — the online portal where you register and manage your products.
Do I need a registered company first?
Yes — your business should be CAC-registered before you register products with NAFDAC.
Does NAFDAC inspect my facility?
Yes — NAFDAC inspects your facility (which must meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards) and lab-tests product samples.
How long is a NAFDAC certificate valid?
Five years, and it is renewable.
How do I register a product with NAFDAC?
Register your business with CAC, create a company account on the NAPAMS portal (registration.nafdac.gov.ng), then for each product complete the application, upload the required documents, pay the fee, and go through document verification, facility inspection, product sampling, laboratory analysis and vetting. On approval NAFDAC issues your registration number and certificate.
Do I need CAC registration before NAFDAC?
Yes. Your business must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) first — you'll need your CAC number and company details to create a NAPAMS account and register any product.
What is NAPAMS?
NAPAMS (NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System) is NAFDAC's online portal, at registration.nafdac.gov.ng, where you create a company account and submit product registration applications and documents.
How long does NAFDAC registration take?
Official timelines are around 90 working days for food (and MSME products) and about 120 days for drugs from acceptance of a complete application, but realistic timelines are often several months longer once inspection, sampling and lab analysis are counted. See our timeline guide.
Can I register with NAFDAC myself without an agent?
Yes — the process is designed to be completed directly on the NAPAMS portal, and small businesses can use NAFDAC's Small Business Support Desk for guidance. Never pay anyone who promises to 'fast-track' or guarantee approval; registration is official and merit-based.