Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has disclosed the severe security threats she faces due to her role in combating counterfeit drugs and substandard pharmaceutical products. Speaking to State House correspondents on February 26, 2025, after a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Adeyeye detailed the agency’s recent success in seizing illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion during a major crackdown.
The operation, considered the largest in NAFDAC’s history, resulted in the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and counterfeit medical supplies, including donated antiretroviral drugs and compromised condoms. The items were confiscated from Nigeria’s three major open drug markets.
Prof. Adeyeye shared the personal toll of her efforts, recalling how NAFDAC staff had been subjected to physical threats and kidnapping attempts. “One of our staff members had his child kidnapped in Kano because of his work,” she revealed. Adeyeye, who receives 24/7 police protection in both Abuja and Lagos, admitted that her life has been significantly affected by these security concerns, but she remains committed to eradicating fake drugs.
Drawing parallels to her predecessor, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who was targeted by drug cartels during her fight against counterfeit drugs, Adeyeye emphasized the need for stronger laws and punishments for those involved in the dangerous trade. She called for the implementation of harsher penalties, including the death penalty, for offenders.
NAFDAC continues its nationwide efforts to safeguard public health and protect Nigerians from the risks posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals.