The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised concerns over threats to her life and the safety of her staff, calling on authorities to provide protection as they combat the menace of fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. Speaking at a State House briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Adeyeye also advocated for the death penalty for individuals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Massive Seizure of Illicit Drugs
Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had recently seized illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in an ongoing nationwide crackdown against substandard and fake medical products. The agency’s intensified enforcement efforts led to the confiscation of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical supplies, including antiretroviral drugs donated by USAID and UNFPA, as well as male and female condoms and other compromised medical products.
The operation, described as the largest in NAFDAC’s history, targeted Nigeria’s three major open drug markets:
- Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets in Aba, Abia State
- Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State
- Idumota Drug Market in Lagos State
Prof. Adeyeye estimated the value of the seized items to be at least N1 trillion, with the possibility of the figure increasing as further assessments are conducted.
Threats to Life and Safety
The NAFDAC DG revealed that her staff members have faced significant risks, including kidnapping attempts and physical threats, as a result of their enforcement activities. She shared a harrowing incident involving one of her staff members in Kano, whose child was kidnapped because of his work. Fortunately, the child managed to escape.
“I told you about the attempted murder about six months ago. One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he was doing his job. Fortunately, the child escaped,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
She also disclosed that she lives under constant police protection due to the threats against her life. “For me, I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I don’t have a life. I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. That’s not my way of living, but I don’t have a choice because we must save our country. Nonetheless, I also use common sense,” she added.
Echoes of Dora Akunyili’s Legacy
The threats faced by Prof. Adeyeye mirror those encountered by her predecessor, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who led NAFDAC from 2001 to 2009. Akunyili became a target of drug cartels due to her relentless fight against counterfeit drugs, which was motivated by the death of her sister, who died after receiving fake insulin.
Akunyili’s campaigns led to the closure of open-air drug markets and the confiscation of fake drugs, but they also drew numerous threats and an assassination attempt in 2003. Like Akunyili, Prof. Adeyeye remains determined to eradicate the fake drug menace despite the dangers involved.
Call for Stricter Punishments
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the need for stricter punishments, including the death penalty, for those involved in the production and sale of counterfeit drugs. She urged the Nigerian government to implement stronger laws to curb the life-threatening trade of fake pharmaceuticals.
“We need stricter punishments, including the death penalty, for those endangering lives through fake drugs. The government must take decisive action to protect public health and restore confidence in our pharmaceutical industry,” she said.
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Public Health
NAFDAC continues to intensify its enforcement actions nationwide, with the goal of protecting public health and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. The agency’s efforts are focused on shutting down illegal drug markets, confiscating counterfeit products, and prosecuting those involved in the illicit trade.
Prof. Adeyeye called on Nigerians to support NAFDAC’s efforts by reporting suspicious activities and avoiding the purchase of drugs from unlicensed vendors. She also urged stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry to adhere to regulatory standards and prioritize the safety of consumers.
Conclusion
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye’s revelations highlight the dangers faced by NAFDAC officials in their fight against counterfeit drugs and the urgent need for stronger measures to protect public health. The seizure of N1 trillion worth of illicit drugs marks a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts, but the threats to life and safety underscore the challenges involved in this critical mission.
As NAFDAC continues its crackdown on fake and substandard drugs, the call for stricter punishments, including the death penalty, reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action. The legacy of Prof. Dora Akunyili serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against counterfeit drugs, and Prof. Adeyeye’s determination ensures that this battle will continue until Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry is free from the scourge of fake drugs.
