—Advocates Death Penalty for Fake Drug Offenders
According to a report by Vanguard Newspaper, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has expressed grave concerns regarding threats to her life and the safety of agency staff. She has called on authorities to provide protection as they navigate hazardous conditions in the course of their duties.
During a State House briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Adeyeye advocated for the death penalty for individuals involved in the production and sale of fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.
Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC had recently seized illicit drugs valued at over N1 trillion as part of an ongoing crackdown on substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products. She revealed that the agency’s intensified enforcement efforts had led to the confiscation of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical supplies, including antiretroviral drugs donated by USAID and UNFPA, as well as male and female condoms.
Describing the large-scale operation as the largest in NAFDAC’s history, Prof. Adeyeye noted that it targeted Nigeria’s three major open drug markets:
- Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets (Aba, Abia State)
- Bridge Head Market (Onitsha, Anambra State)
- Idumota Drug Market (Lagos State)
While estimating the value of the seized items at no less than N1 trillion, she acknowledged that further assessments could reveal an even higher figure.
Prof. Adeyeye recounted the dangers faced by her staff, including attempted kidnappings and physical threats. “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 shared.
“For my own safety, I have two policemen stationed at my residence 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I don’t have a life. I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. That’s not how I want to live, but I have no choice because we must save our country. Nonetheless, I also exercise caution,” she added.
Akunyili’s Legacy and the Battle Against Fake Drugs
The threats faced by Prof. Adeyeye echo those encountered by her predecessor, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who led NAFDAC from 2001 to 2009 and became a target of drug cartels due to her relentless fight against counterfeit drugs. Akunyili’s motivation was deeply personal, stemming from the death of her sister after receiving fake insulin. Her campaigns resulted in the closure of open-air drug markets and the confiscation of counterfeit drugs, which drew numerous threats, including an assassination attempt in 2003.
Like Akunyili, Prof. Adeyeye remains resolute in her commitment to eradicate the fake drug menace, despite the associated risks. She reiterated the need for stricter punishments, including the death penalty, for those who endanger lives through the distribution of fake drugs.
Prof. Adeyeye urged the Nigerian government to implement stronger laws to combat the life-threatening trade in counterfeit pharmaceuticals. NAFDAC continues to intensify its enforcement actions nationwide, aiming to protect public health and restore confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
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