In a shocking revelation, *Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has disclosed that she has been receiving death threats as a result of her relentless efforts to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. The renowned pharmacist and public health advocate made this revelation during a recent press briefing in Abuja, where she highlighted the dangers faced by regulatory officials in the fight against fake medicines.
Since assuming office in November 2017, Prof. Adeyeye has been at the forefront of NAFDAC’s campaign to rid Nigeria of counterfeit and substandard drugs. Her leadership has led to the seizure of billions of naira worth of fake medicines, the shutdown of illegal pharmaceutical operations, and the prosecution of offenders. However, these successes have come at a personal cost.
Prof. Adeyeye revealed that her efforts to safeguard public health have made her a target for criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs. “I have received several death threats,” she stated. “These threats are a stark reminder of the dangers we face in our mission to protect Nigerians from harmful and fake medicines.”
The NAFDAC boss emphasized that the fight against counterfeit drugs is not just a regulatory battle but a matter of life and death. Counterfeit medicines pose a significant threat to public health, often leading to treatment failures, drug resistance, and even death. Prof. Adeyeye’s work has saved countless lives, but it has also made her a target for those who profit from the illegal drug trade.
“When you take on counterfeiters, you are dealing with powerful and dangerous individuals,” she explained. “They will stop at nothing to protect their illicit businesses. But we cannot back down. The lives of millions of Nigerians depend on us.”
Prof. Adeyeye called on the Nigerian government, law enforcement agencies, and the public to support NAFDAC’s efforts in combating counterfeit drugs. She stressed the need for stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies, security forces, and the judiciary to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
“We cannot win this fight alone,” she said. “We need the support of every Nigerian. Report suspicious drugs, support local manufacturers, and stand with us as we work to ensure that every medicine in this country is safe, effective, and of high quality.”
Despite the threats, Prof. Adeyeye remains undeterred. Her tenure at NAFDAC has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including the digitalization of the agency’s processes, the enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the promotion of local pharmaceutical production. Her leadership has earned her both national and international recognition, including accolades from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health bodies.
Prof. Adeyeye’s courage in the face of danger serves as an inspiration to many. Her unwavering commitment to public health underscores the importance of strong regulatory leadership in safeguarding the well-being of citizens.
