Adeyeye—NAFDAC DG seeks death sentence for vendors of fake drugs

Raises alarm over threats amidst crackdown on fake drugs

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has voiced concerns over the increasing threats to her life and agency officials, seeking death sentence for vendors of fake drugs.

Professor Adeyeye made the remarks while addressing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on February 26, 2025.

Adeyeye said that the threats are coming as they combat counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals.

These operations targeted major drug markets in Lagos, Anambra, and Abia states.

Threats to Personnel

According to sources, NAFDAC personnel have been targeted by criminal elements.

Recently, one staff member’s child was kidnapped in Kano but later escaped, according to reports.

During the press briefing, Adeyeye recounted the harrowing incident where a staff member in Kano had his child kidnapped.

According to her, the kidnap incident was due to his unwavering commitment to combating fake drugs.

Fortunately for the family, the child managed to escape unharmed.

The incident underscores the perilous conditions faced by NAFDAC officials in their unwavering commitment to protecting public health.

It also underscores the pressing need for comprehensive measures to ensure their safety.

Record Seizure

NAFDAC’s crackdown led to the largest seizure in its history.

On one occasion, 87 truckloads of counterfeit medical products worth over N1 trillion were intercepted in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba.

Observers note that it constitutes a staggering figure that underscores the magnitude of the illegal trade.

The agency’s relentless enforcement drive recently also led to seizure of substandard and expired medical products.

The seized drugs include antiretroviral drugs and condoms.

Personal Cost

Due to persistent threats, Professor Adeyeye now requires 24-hour police protection at her residences in Abuja and Lagos.

NAFDAC now urges authorities to strengthen security measures to protect its officials from harm and intimidation.

“I no longer have a personal life. I cannot move without police escorts.

“This is not the way I envisioned living, but I have no choice,” she lamented.

She lamented the loss of personal freedom but affirmed the necessity of such measures to safeguard public health.

Commitment to Fight

Undeterred by the dangers, she reaffirmed NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to eliminating counterfeit drugs from circulation.

She renewed her call for the death penalty for those engaged in the trade, whom she described as “merchants of death”.

According to her, such people jeopardize the lives of millions in the name of making money.

In the meantime, NAFDAC continues its high-stake battle against the proliferation of fake pharmaceuticals.

The agency urges authorities to bolster security measures, ensuring that officials can perform their duties without fear of harm or intimidation.

In response to these revelations, the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on President Bola Tinubu to enhance security measures for Prof. Adeyeye and other public officials dedicated to eradicating counterfeit drugs.

The group emphasized the critical importance of their safety in the fight against this pervasive threat.

About Mojisola Adeyeye

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye is a prominent Nigerian pharmacist, academic, and regulatory expert.

She is widely recognized for her role as the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria.

She was appointed to this position in November 2017.

She has been instrumental in strengthening the agency’s regulatory framework to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, drugs, and other regulated products in Nigeria.

Key Achievements and Contributions

Regulatory Reforms:

Under her leadership, NAFDAC has implemented significant reforms to combat counterfeit and substandard products, improving public health and safety.

Transparency and Accountability:

She has emphasized transparency and accountability within the agency, fostering public trust.

Capacity Building:

Professor Adeyeye has worked to enhance the capacity of NAFDAC staff through training and the adoption of modern technologies.

Public Health Advocacy:

She has been a strong advocate for public health, promoting awareness about the dangers of fake drugs and unregulated products.

Global Collaboration:

She has strengthened NAFDAC’s collaboration with international regulatory bodies to align with global best practices.

Background

Education:

Professor Adeyeye holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the University of Georgia, USA.

Academic Career:

She has held various academic positions, including professorial roles in the United States, and has contributed significantly to pharmaceutical research and education.

Leadership:

Before her appointment at NAFDAC, she served as a professor of pharmaceutics and manufacturing at Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy in Illinois, USA.

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye is widely respected for her dedication to public health and her efforts to transform NAFDAC into a more effective and efficient regulatory body.

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