My Life is in Danger – NAFDAC DG Cries Out

In a bold and alarming revelation, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has raised the alarm over threats to her life and the safety of her staff. Speaking at a State House briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Prof. Adeyeye called on authorities to ensure their protection as they continue their relentless fight against counterfeit and substandard drugs.

The Dire Warning: A Cry for Safety

Prof. Adeyeye’s plea comes amid increasing risks faced by NAFDAC personnel who are committed to safeguarding public health. She highlighted that the agency’s intensified efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking have exposed its members to dangerous situations, including kidnapping attempts and physical threats.

“Six months ago, I spoke about an attempted murder,” Prof. Adeyeye recounted during the press conference. “One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he was doing his job. Fortunately, the child escaped.” She added, “For me, I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in both Abuja and Lagos. This is not how I want to live, but it’s necessary if we are going to save this country.”

Her words echo the struggles faced by her predecessor, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, whose unwavering commitment to eradicating fake drugs made her a target of powerful cartels. Prof. Adeyeye acknowledged this legacy, stating, “We must continue what she started, no matter the cost.”

A Monumental Seizure: Over N1 Trillion Worth of Expired Drugs

In a landmark operation targeting Nigeria’s three major open drug markets—Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets in Aba (Abia State), Bridge Head Market in Onitsha (Anambra State), and Idumota Drug Market in Lagos—NAFDAC seized illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion. According to Prof. Adeyeye, the haul included 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products.

“This is the biggest seizure in NAFDAC’s history,” she declared. Among the confiscated items were USAID- and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms, and other compromised medical supplies. While the estimated value stands at N1 trillion, further assessments may reveal an even higher figure.

Advocating for Harsher Penalties

To deter criminals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit drugs, Prof. Adeyeye strongly advocates for the death penalty. “These people are killing Nigerians every day with their actions,” she emphasized. “If we do not impose severe penalties, nothing will change.”

She urged the Nigerian government to implement stronger laws and enforce them rigorously. “This is not just about protecting public health; it’s about saving lives. We need the full weight of the law behind us,” she stated firmly.

Walking in Akunyili’s Footsteps

Prof. Adeyeye drew inspiration from the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, whose crusade against counterfeit drugs earned her international acclaim—and enemies within the criminal underworld. Motivated by the tragic death of her sister due to fake insulin, Akunyili spearheaded campaigns that led to the closure of open-air drug markets and the confiscation of millions of counterfeit medicines. Her resolve came at great personal risk, culminating in an assassination attempt in 2003.

Reflecting on Akunyili’s legacy, Prof. Adeyeye said, “Dora set the bar high, and we owe it to her memory to carry forward her mission. Despite the dangers, I am determined to rid our nation of these deadly products.”

A Call to Action

As NAFDAC intensifies its enforcement actions nationwide, Prof. Adeyeye reiterated the importance of collaboration between regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and the judiciary. “Together, we can restore confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry and protect the health of our citizens,” she concluded.

Director-General, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye

With her life on the line and billions of counterfeit drugs still circulating, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye remains steadfast in her mission. Her courage serves as a beacon of hope for a safer, healthier Nigeria. As she puts it, “It’s not easy, but someone has to do it. And I believe that someone is me.”