EFCC, NAFDAC strengthen partnership against counterfeit drugs, corruption
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in tackling corruption and economic sabotage in Nigeria’s health sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the need for compliance as a cornerstone in the fight against corruption.
“Without compliance, efforts at fighting corruption and ensuring Nigeria’s development will be in vain. The difference between third-world and advanced countries lies in doing the right things and following the rules,” Olukoyede said.
He highlighted the EFCC’s broad mandate, which includes investigating and prosecuting both financial crimes and economic sabotage. He explained that this includes actions such as the importation of fake drugs or bursting oil pipelines—offences which have financial motivations and national economic implications.
“Anyone who exploits legal loopholes for financial gain in the course of economic activity falls under our purview. If fake drugs are involved and there’s pecuniary interest, we have the mandate to act,” he stated.
Professor Adeyeye, while acknowledging the EFCC’s support, expressed NAFDAC’s interest in strengthening cooperation with security and anti-corruption agencies to ensure strict regulatory enforcement.
She described corruption as a “hydra-headed monster” and stressed that collaboration, compliance, and sensitization are key tools to combat it effectively within the regulatory space.
“We need collaboration with all stakeholders. While we continue to build capacity, we also need help with tools and systems that discourage compromise by staff or clients,” she said.
