The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has opened up about the security risks associated with her role in regulating Nigeria’s food and drug sector. She revealed that due to the threats she faces in her job, she cannot go anywhere without police escorts, highlighting the dangers involved in fighting against counterfeit drugs and unsafe food products.
Constant Threats in the Line of Duty
Prof. Adeyeye explained that her work at NAFDAC has made her a target for individuals and criminal organizations involved in the illegal production and distribution of fake drugs and food products. She emphasized that:
The counterfeit drug market is a multi-billion naira industry, and those profiting from it will go to great lengths to protect their illegal business.
Several top NAFDAC officials have faced intimidation and threats over the years for their roles in enforcing regulations.
Some drug cartels and corrupt manufacturers see her as an obstacle to their operations and have attempted to silence her efforts.
Why NAFDAC Faces High Security Risks
NAFDAC is responsible for regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, and distribution of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals in Nigeria. Over the years, the agency has clamped down on counterfeit drug manufacturers, seized illegal goods, and shut down factories producing substandard products. These efforts have made the agency a target of powerful criminal networks.
A Fight Against Fake Drugs and Public Health Risks
Under Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership, NAFDAC has intensified its fight against counterfeit drugs, which pose serious health risks to Nigerians. Some of her notable achievements include:
Seizure and destruction of fake and expired drugs worth billions of naira.
Increased surveillance at ports and borders to prevent the entry of substandard imported drugs.
Tougher regulations and enforcement against companies producing unapproved and dangerous food products.
However, these actions have not come without backlash, as individuals and companies affected by the crackdown have resorted to threats and intimidation to discourage NAFDAC’s enforcement activities.
Government’s Role in Ensuring Protection
Despite the threats, the Nigerian government has continued to provide security support for NAFDAC officials, recognizing the importance of their work in protecting public health. Prof. Adeyeye has urged the government to:
Strengthen security measures for regulatory officers.
Implement stricter penalties for those involved in counterfeit drug production.
Provide more funding to help NAFDAC carry out its operations without fear of intimidation.
Public Reactions and Support
Many Nigerians have praised Prof. Adeyeye for her courage in standing firm against those trying to undermine public health. However, others believe that the government needs to do more to ensure the safety of regulatory officers who put their lives on the line to combat fake drugs and unsafe food products.
What’s Next for NAFDAC?
Despite the challenges, Prof. Adeyeye remains committed to her mission, vowing that no amount of threats will stop her from ensuring that only safe and approved products reach Nigerian consumers. With continued government support and public vigilance, she hopes that the fight against fake drugs and unsafe consumables will be won in Nigeria.
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Written By Fortune Davidson