The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared it will not succumb to pressure in its ongoing efforts to eliminate banned, counterfeit, unregistered, and harmful drugs across Nigeria. The statement comes amid allegations that the agency coerced traders into paying N700,000 for unspecified services.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, addressed the claims, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting public health. She highlighted a recent enforcement operation in Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha drug markets, where harmful and banned drugs valued at over one trillion naira were seized.
Adeyeye clarified that the charges in question were investigative fees, significantly reduced after consultations—from N5 million to N200,000 for selling unregistered drugs and from N2 million to N500,000 for storage violations. She noted that over 2,500 traders, operating 3,500 shops in Onitsha’s Ogbogwu market, have resumed business after complying with these fees and removing non-compliant drugs.
“The charges are gazetted by the Federal Government and follow due process,” Adeyeye stated, dismissing accusations of extortion. She vowed that NAFDAC would not reopen sealed shops until they meet regulatory standards, warning that the agency will not “close its eyes to evil acts” responsible for thousands of deaths, particularly among women and children, due to fake and substandard medicines.
Adeyeye accused those spreading “propaganda” against NAFDAC of being traders involved in importing banned narcotics and unwilling to comply with regulations. She urged the public not to politicize the issue and reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to its mandate of safeguarding national health.
The agency’s actions, Adeyeye assured, will remain in the best interest of Nigerians as it continues its fight against illicit drugs.
