Nigerians have criticised the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, after she laughed when a journalist asked whether she would resign amid growing concerns over counterfeit and substandard products in Nigeria.
The incident occurred during a press conference where Adeyeye faced questions about public calls for her resignation. A video of the exchange has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from Nigerians who considered her reaction inappropriate, particularly given the health risks associated with fake medicines, food products and other consumer goods.
Adeyeye defended her nine year tenure, highlighting what she described as major achievements recorded under her leadership. She said NAFDAC had made significant progress in strengthening its regulatory capacity and improving the agency’s international standing.
The NAFDAC boss also cited the agency’s enforcement activities, including the seizure of more than 7,000 non-compliant products and the conviction of 64 counterfeiters. According to her, the agency has intensified raids, arrests, prosecutions and the destruction of fake and substandard products across the country.
Adeyeye also spoke about her decision to return to Nigeria from the United States to serve the country. She said she came back with the goal of restoring NAFDAC’s reputation and strengthening its operations.
However, her defence has done little to quell the criticism surrounding the viral video. Many Nigerians argue that the continued circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines, food items and consumer products shows that more needs to be done to protect consumers.
The controversy has also sparked renewed discussions on social media about NAFDAC’s regulatory effectiveness, with critics questioning whether the agency’s enforcement figures have translated into a meaningful reduction in fake and dangerous products in Nigerian markets.
The incident has consequently intensified public scrutiny of Adeyeye’s leadership and NAFDAC’s broader approach to combating counterfeit and substandard products.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
