“We Cannot Prioritize Trade Over Human Lives” – NAFDAC DG Replies Peter Obi 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through its ongoing enforcement operations, dismissing accusations that its actions are harming trade.

Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the agency’s efforts in Lagos, Aba, and Onitsha are aimed at protecting lives rather than disrupting businesses. “What we are doing should not be politicized. We are protecting lives, not destroying trade. We cannot prioritize trade over human lives. These operations will continue to ensure public safety,” she stated.

Her remarks appeared to be a response to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who had earlier criticized NAFDAC’s operations in Onitsha. Obi accused the agency of jeopardizing businesses by closing sections of the Onitsha Bridge Market that were not involved in the sale of pharmaceuticals. However, NAFDAC had previously disclosed that it uncovered prohibited drugs hidden inside plumbing materials shops at the market.

During the enforcement operation, NAFDAC officials seized two trailer loads of unregistered narcotics, including banned tramadol and counterfeit drugs, which were concealed within the shops. Adeyeye underscored that while NAFDAC supports trade, public health must take precedence. She also highlighted the agency’s trade and international relations office, which works to balance regulatory actions with economic interests.

Among the illicit drugs discovered were Tafrodol, Tramadol, and Anagin, all of which are banned and unregistered in Nigeria. NAFDAC also found antiretroviral drugs donated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for HIV patients at the Idumota market, along with expired condoms. Vaccines meant for refrigerated storage were discovered in unventilated buildings, and expired blood pressure medication, Amlodipine, was being revalidated for sale. Additionally, controlled substances and condoms that had been due for destruction since 2022 were found.

Adeyeye revealed that Anagin, which was banned before her tenure as Director-General, was among the numerous fake and substandard drugs seized. She also disclosed that two trucks brought in by dealers to secretly evacuate medicines from the Idumota market at midnight were confiscated.

The NAFDAC DG noted that the agency is facing staffing shortages and called on the government to recruit more qualified personnel. She stressed the importance of increasing manpower at Nigeria’s entry points to bolster surveillance and prevent the influx of counterfeit drugs into the country.