NAFDAC Director-General Reports Threats Amid Crackdown on Fake Drugs

February 27, 2025

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has reported threats to her life and the safety of her staff following a major operation against counterfeit pharmaceuticals. She has called for enhanced security measures and stricter penalties, including the death penalty, for those involved in the production and distribution of fake drugs.

In a recent briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC’s intensified enforcement efforts led to the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products. The confiscated items, valued at over N1 trillion, included antiretroviral drugs and condoms donated by international organizations such as USAID and UNFPA, which were found to be compromised. This large-scale operation targeted major open drug markets in Nigeria, including those in Aba, Onitsha, and Lagos.

Prof. Adeyeye recounted incidents where NAFDAC staff faced kidnapping attempts and physical threats due to their work. She emphasized the personal impact of these threats, noting that she requires constant police protection in both Abuja and Lagos. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to combating the menace of fake drugs in Nigeria.

Drawing parallels to the tenure of former NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Dora Akunyili, who also faced significant threats during her fight against counterfeit drugs, Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the ongoing risks associated with this critical work. She urged the Nigerian government to implement stronger laws and consider the death penalty for those endangering lives through the distribution of fake pharmaceuticals.

NAFDAC continues to intensify its enforcement actions nationwide, aiming to protect public health and restore confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.