The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has vowed to remain unfazed by death threats as the agency intensifies its war against counterfeit drug manufacturers in Nigeria.
Adeyeye reaffirmed her commitment to public health, even as NAFDAC dismantles major fake drug distribution networks in Kano, Idumota, Yaba, and Onitsha. While the crackdown has been completed in some areas, operations are still ongoing in Onitsha, she revealed during a press briefing in Abuja.
Blacklisting of Indian Pharmaceutical Company
During the briefing, Adeyeye announced that NAFDAC had blacklisted an India-based pharmaceutical company for exporting addictive pills containing a dangerous mix of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, known as Tafrodol or Royal 225. She emphasized the need for stricter penalties against counterfeit drug manufacturers and urged lawmakers to enact stronger legislation to deter offenders.
Calls for Harsher Punishments for Drug Counterfeiters
Expressing frustration over Nigeria’s legal leniency, Adeyeye advocated for severe penalties, including the death sentence, for individuals responsible for manufacturing and distributing fake medicines.
🔴 "Somebody put zero content in a medicine that a child is going to take, and the child died. What is the punishment? It should be a death penalty. Why should someone be responsible for the death of another person and walk free?" she asked.
She urged the 10th National Assembly to pass new laws that would strengthen enforcement and ensure that drug counterfeiters face stiff consequences.
Security Concerns and Staff Attacks
Adeyeye detailed the risks faced by NAFDAC staff, citing an incident in Onitsha where an inspector was beaten and left bleeding during an operation.
🚨 "I was not the one that was beaten and bleeding in Onitsha, six months ago because they were on an inspection operation," she recalled, emphasizing the dangerous conditions under which her team operates.
She called on the government to provide better compensation and protection for NAFDAC workers, who often risk their lives to combat the fake drug trade.
Strengthening International Cooperation & Border Control
Adeyeye acknowledged that most counterfeit drugs in Nigeria are imported, particularly from countries like India.
✅ She emphasized the need for stronger bilateral agreements with exporting nations to curb the inflow of fake pharmaceuticals.
✅ She also urged Nigerians to report suspicious drug products and actively support NAFDAC’s fight against counterfeit medicine.
Challenges Facing NAFDAC’s Operations
Despite its rigorous enforcement efforts, NAFDAC continues to face major operational challenges, including:
🔴 Corruption – Bribery undermines regulatory integrity and allows dangerous drugs to flood the market.
🔴 Inadequate Staffing – NAFDAC staff work 24/7, often under dangerous conditions, yet the agency lacks sufficient personnel.
🔴 Financial Constraints – NAFDAC inherited ₦3.7 billion in debt, with outdated equipment and no operational vehicles when Adeyeye took office.
🔴 Weak Inter-Agency Cooperation – Poor collaboration with other security agencies hampers enforcement efforts.
NAFDAC’s Commitment to Public Safety
Adeyeye assured the public that NAFDAC remains resolute in its mission to safeguard lives and ensure that only safe, high-quality medicines are available in Nigeria.
🗣 "Doing the right thing should not be an exception, it should be the norm," she emphasized.
With ongoing regulatory tightening, international collaborations, and legislative advocacy, NAFDAC is set to intensify its war against counterfeit medicines, despite the threats and challenges it faces.
