A Dangerous Battle
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has revealed that her life is under constant threat due to her relentless efforts to combat counterfeit and illicit drugs in Nigeria. Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, Adeyeye disclosed that she now lives under 24/7 police protection, highlighting the dangers faced by those fighting to safeguard public health.
The Threats: A Personal and Professional Struggle
Adeyeye shared harrowing details of the risks she and her staff face. “I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I don’t have a life. I cannot go anywhere without police, and to me, that is not my way of living. But I don’t have a choice because we have to save our country,” she said.
The NAFDAC boss also recounted how one of her staff members’ sons was kidnapped, though he fortunately escaped. These threats are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by powerful drug cartels determined to protect their illegal trade.
A Legacy of Courage: Following in Akunyili’s Footsteps
Adeyeye’s ordeal echoes the experiences of her predecessor, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who faced multiple assassination attempts during her tenure as NAFDAC DG from 2001 to 2009. Akunyili’s crusade against counterfeit drugs, fueled by the death of her sister from fake insulin, earned her global recognition but also made her a target for retaliation.
Adeyeye’s current efforts are similarly bold, with recent operations targeting major drug markets in Onitsha, Aba, and Lagos. These raids have led to the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medical products, valued at an estimated N1 trillion.
The Crackdown: A Historic Operation
The ongoing crackdown is part of NAFDAC’s National Action Plan (NAP 2.0) 2023-2027, aimed at eliminating counterfeit medicines and improving regulatory compliance. The operation, which began on February 9, 2025, involved 1,100 security operatives, including military personnel, police, and DSS agents.
Markets such as Ariaria and Eziukwu in Aba, Bridge Head in Onitsha, and Idumota in Lagos were cordoned off to prevent traders from concealing or smuggling out illegal products. The seized items included USAID- and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms, and other substandard medical supplies.
Why This Matters
The fight against counterfeit drugs is not just a regulatory issue—it’s a matter of life and death. Fake and substandard medicines pose a grave threat to public health, undermining trust in healthcare systems and endangering lives. Adeyeye’s courage in the face of death threats underscores the high stakes of this battle.
A Call for Support
Prof. Adeyeye’s revelations highlight the immense challenges faced by NAFDAC in its mission to protect Nigerians from harmful drugs. Her bravery and dedication are commendable, but she cannot fight this battle alone. Increased support from the government, security agencies, and the public is essential to ensure the safety of NAFDAC staff and the success of its operations.
As Adeyeye continues her fight, her story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those working to create a safer, healthier Nigeria.
