The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised concerns over threats to her life and agency staff.
Prof. Adeyeye called on authorities for protection as NAFDAC personnel face dangerous conditions while performing regulatory duties.
She strongly advocated the death penalty for those involved in producing and distributing counterfeit drugs across Nigeria.
NAFDAC Seizes Fake Drugs Worth Over N1 Trillion in Major Crackdown
During a State House briefing in Abuja, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed the seizure of illicit drugs valued at over N1 trillion.
The agency confiscated 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products in its largest operation to date.
Seized items included USAID- and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs, condoms, and other compromised medical supplies.
The operation targeted Nigeria’s largest open drug markets: Ariaria and Eziukwu (Aba), Bridge Head (Onitsha), and Idumota (Lagos).
Prof. Adeyeye noted that further assessments might reveal the total value of seized goods could exceed N1 trillion.
NAFDAC Staff Face Kidnapping Attempts and Threats
Prof. Adeyeye recounted several harrowing experiences, including a kidnapping attempt involving a staff member’s child.
“Six months ago, a staff member’s child was kidnapped in Kano because he was simply doing his job.”
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She also revealed her life had drastically changed due to persistent security threats requiring 24/7 police protection.
“I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. This isn’t how I lived before, but I have no choice.”
Continuing Akunyili’s Legacy in the Fight Against Fake Drugs
Prof. Adeyeye’s experiences echo those of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, who faced assassination attempts during her NAFDAC tenure.
Prof. Akunyili’s fight against counterfeit drugs followed her sister’s death from fake insulin, sparking nationwide reforms.
Prof. Adeyeye remains committed to the mission, stressing the need for harsher punishments to deter counterfeit drug crimes.
NAFDAC Pushes for Stronger Laws and Public Safety
Prof. Adeyeye urged the government to impose the death penalty for individuals distributing life-threatening counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
NAFDAC continues intensifying nationwide enforcement to protect public health and rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s drug market.
