Abuja, Nigeria – Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, faces death threats but remains defiant.
Consequently, she has pledged to escalate Nigeria’s crackdown on counterfeit drug distribution networks.
Speaking firmly during a weekend briefing in Abuja, she asserted, “Threats will not deter us from protecting public health.”
The threats emerged after NAFDAC dismantled major fake drug networks in key markets like Kano, Idumota, Yaba, and Onitsha.
Consequently, Adeyeye reaffirmed her team’s resolve, stating their crackdowns would continue unabated to ensure nationwide safety.
These areas are known hotspots for the sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, which pose significant risks to public health.
A Missionary Spirit of Service
Adeyeye, who spent 37 years in the United States before returning to Nigeria, described her decision to come back as a personal sacrifice driven by a sense of duty to her homeland. “I could have been there, comfortable,” she said. “But I tell people I came here as a missionary. If missionaries could leave their comfort zones where they were born and live with us in Nigeria, I do not have an excuse not to come back home.”
She acknowledged the challenges of her role, including being away from her children and grandchildren, but stressed that fear is not part of her daily vocabulary.
“My coming back is to serve,” she stated. “That doesn’t mean I don’t use my common sense. I use a lot of common sense, but it’s not just about me; it’s also about my workers.”
Risks Faced by NAFDAC Staff
The director-general highlighted the dangers faced by NAFDAC workers during inspection operations. She recounted an incident in Onitsha six months ago where staff members were attacked during an enforcement exercise. “There is one of our workers. One day, I just looked at her arm and asked: What happened? She said they went on an inspection, and she almost lost her life,” Adeyeye revealed.
Such risks underscore the need for better protection and compensation for NAFDAC personnel, she noted. “The government has to be able to compensate and protect the agency’s workers accordingly,” she added.
Unwavering Commitment to Public Health
Despite the challenges, Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to its mandate of protecting Nigerians from substandard and counterfeit drugs. She called on stakeholders and the public to support the agency’s efforts, emphasizing that the fight against fake drugs is crucial for the nation’s health and safety.
As NAFDAC continues its crackdown on counterfeit drug networks, Adeyeye’s resolve serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by public servants dedicated to improving the lives of Nigerians.