The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised concerns about threats to her life and the safety of agency staff. She called on the authorities to take urgent steps to protect them as they continue their efforts to eliminate fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria.
Speaking at a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Prof. Adeyeye revealed that NAFDAC had seized fake and expired drugs worth over N1 trillion in an ongoing operation aimed at tackling counterfeit pharmaceuticals. She noted that criminals involved in the illegal drug trade have become more aggressive, making the agency’s work increasingly dangerous.
The NAFDAC boss stated that 87 truckloads of illegal drugs had been confiscated during enforcement actions in major drug markets across Nigeria. The operation targeted key locations, including:
- Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets in Aba, Abia State
- Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State
- Idumota Drug Market in Lagos State
Among the seized items were antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms, and other medical products donated by international organizations like USAID and UNFPA. She noted that further assessment could push the value of the confiscated goods even higher.
Prof. Adeyeye also spoke about the dangers her staff face while carrying out their duties. She shared a shocking incident where a NAFDAC staff member in Kano had their child kidnapped in retaliation for their work.
“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.
She also disclosed that she has had to live under tight security due to threats to 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.”
