The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that her life is in danger due to her agency’s intensified crackdown on fake and substandard drugs. She also called for the death penalty for those involved in the illegal production and sale of counterfeit medicines in Nigeria.
Speaking at a State House briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had seized fake drugs worth over N1 trillion in a massive operation targeting illegal pharmaceutical markets across the country.
NAFDAC Staff Facing Threats and Kidnappings
Prof. Adeyeye revealed that NAFDAC officials have been subjected to life-threatening situations, including kidnappings and assassination attempts, due to their efforts to clean up Nigeria’s drug market.
“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,” she said.
She also spoke about the heavy security measures around 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.”
Biggest Crackdown on Fake Drugs in NAFDAC’s History
NAFDAC has launched one of its largest operations ever against counterfeit and substandard drugs, leading to the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned and expired medical products.
The operation focused on Nigeria’s three biggest illegal drug markets, including: Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets (Aba, Abia State), Bridge Head Market (Onitsha, Anambra State) and Idumota Drug Market (Lagos State).iop
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Among the confiscated items were fake antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms, and other compromised medical supplies, some of which had been donated by USAID and the UNFPA.
Prof. Adeyeye estimated the total value of the seized drugs at N1 trillion, though she noted that further assessment could push the figure even higher.
Calls for Stricter Punishments, Including Death Penalty
The NAFDAC boss did not hold back in demanding severe punishments for those involved in the sale of fake drugs, including the death penalty.
“Those who produce and sell fake drugs are killers. They destroy lives every day. There should be no mercy for them,” she stated.
She urged the government to implement stronger laws to combat the deadly trade of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Following in Dora Akunyili’s Footsteps
Prof. Adeyeye’s struggles are similar to those faced by Prof. Dora Akunyili, who led NAFDAC from 2001 to 2009 and became a target of drug cartels due to her tough stance against fake drugs.
Akunyili’s fight was personal—her sister died after receiving fake insulin. She led campaigns to shut down illegal drug markets, faced numerous death threats, and survived an assassination attempt in 2003.
Now, Prof. Adeyeye is continuing that fight, despite the dangers involved.
NAFDAC’s Commitment to Public Health
Despite the threats, NAFDAC remains committed to protecting Nigerians from dangerous drugs. The agency is increasing its enforcement efforts to clean up the pharmaceutical industry and restore public confidence in locally available medicines.
“We are not backing down. We will continue this fight, no matter the risks,” Prof. Adeyeye declared.