The recent alarm raised by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), over threats to her life by fake drug dealers has once again highlighted the dangers faced by those at the forefront of the war against counterfeit pharmaceuticals. While the federal government must prioritize her safety and that of NAFDAC staff, the agency’s approach to combating fake drugs—particularly its practice of shutting entire markets-has come under scrutiny and calls for reform.
A Deadly Trade That Spares No One
The business of fake and counterfeit drugs is a silent killer, with victims often unaware of the cause of their suffering or death. This makes it a threat to all Nigerians, including the families and friends of those who profit from it. Prof. Adeyeye’s call for the death penalty for offenders, currently under consideration by the National Assembly, underscores the gravity of the issue. Unlike bandits or kidnappers, fake drug dealers operate covertly, making their crimes even more insidious.
Since assuming office, Adeyeye has followed in the footsteps of her predecessor, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, who also faced numerous threats and assassination attempts during her tenure. Akunyili’s motivation stemmed from the tragic death of her sister, who died after being administered fake insulin. Adeyeye’s recent disclosure that NAFDAC seized illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in a crackdown further demonstrates her commitment to the cause. However, this has come at a personal cost, with threats to her life and the safety of her staff.
Security Concerns and the Need for Protection
Adeyeye revealed that she lives under constant police protection, with two officers stationed at her residences in Abuja and Lagos 24/7. She also recounted the kidnapping of a staff member’s child in Kano, who fortunately escaped. These incidents highlight the urgent need for the federal government to bolster security for NAFDAC officials and ensure their safety as they combat this deadly trade.
The Controversy Over Market Closures
While NAFDAC’s efforts to eradicate fake drugs are commendable, its practice of shutting entire markets has sparked criticism. Recently, the agency closed the Bridgehead Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, after discovering counterfeit drugs in the Ogbo Ogwu section. However, the closure also affected unrelated sections of the market, such as those selling plumbing materials, provisions, and timber, drawing backlash from traders, lawmakers, and stakeholders.
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and the South-east Caucus in the House of Representatives have called for a more targeted approach, arguing that innocent traders should not suffer for the crimes of a few. The Anambra State House of Assembly also passed a resolution urging NAFDAC to reopen the market, citing the livelihoods of over 10,000 traders and apprentices at risk.
Governor Charles Soludo defended the agency’s actions, stating that counterfeit drugs were found in multiple sections of the market. However, neither Soludo nor NAFDAC has provided evidence that all shops in the market were involved, raising questions about the fairness of the closure.
Legal Challenges and Calls for Reform
The controversy has escalated with four traders from the Ogbo Ogwu market filing a lawsuit against NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other officials for allegedly violating their fundamental human rights. The traders claim that N500 billion worth of goods were unlawfully seized during the raid, which involved heavily armed soldiers and police.
This incident underscores the need for NAFDAC to adopt a more measured and lawful approach in its operations. While the fight against fake drugs is critical, it must be conducted within the bounds of the law to avoid alienating legitimate traders and the public.
A Call for Collaboration and Reform
To win public support, NAFDAC must reform its strategies. Instead of shutting entire markets, the agency should focus on targeted raids and work closely with market leaders to identify and penalize offenders. Additionally, involving soldiers in operations should be avoided, as it risks creating an atmosphere of impunity and lawlessness.
The agency should also collaborate with stakeholders, including traders, lawmakers, and state governments, to establish stricter monitoring structures within markets. This would ensure that legitimate businesses are protected while counterfeiters are held accountable.
Prof. Adeyeye and NAFDAC deserve commendation for their relentless fight against fake drugs, a menace that threatens the health and lives of millions. However, the agency must balance its enforcement actions with fairness and respect for the rule of law. By adopting a more targeted and collaborative approach, NAFDAC can win the support of the public and ensure that its efforts to safeguard public health are both effective and just.