NAFDAC DG alleges threat to life, seeks death penalty for fake drug producers
By Kunle Sanni
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised concerns over threats to her life and the safety of agency staff amid an ongoing crackdown on counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.
Speaking at a State House briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Adeyeye also advocated for the death penalty for those involved in the manufacture and sale of fake drugs, citing their devastating impact on public health.
Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had recently confiscated 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products, including counterfeit antiretroviral drugs and compromised male and female condoms.
The large-scale operation, described as the biggest in NAFDAC’s history, targeted major open drug markets in Nigeria, including:
- Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets (Aba, Abia State)
- Bridge Head Market (Onitsha, Anambra State)
She estimated the total value of the seized products at over N1 trillion, though further assessment could reveal an even higher figure.
The NAFDAC boss recounted how enforcement officers had faced physical threats, attempted kidnappings, and violent resistance from counterfeit drug cartels.
“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 revealed.
Prof. Adeyeye called on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection for NAFDAC officials, warning that the fight against counterfeit drugs could be undermined if enforcement officers continue to face life-threatening risks.
Her call for stricter penalties, including the death sentence, comes amid growing concerns over the public health dangers posed by fake drugs in Nigeria.
“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.
