Tag: NAFDAC

Adeyeye restates call for stiffer penalties against fake drug manufacturers, vendors

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has said she remains undaunted by the death threats from some criminals who profit from inflicting pains on fellow Nigerians and causing avoidable deaths through unwholesome drugs.

The NAFDAC boss said the death threats followed the agency’s simultaneous operation to dismantle major fake drug distribution networks in Kano, Idumota, Yaba, and Onitsha.

She said the threats would not deter the agency from its unwavering commitment to protecting public health.

While the operation has been completed in some locations, including Idumota, it is still ongoing in Onitsha.

Adeyeye addressed reporters at the weekend in Abuja on the blacklisting of an India-based pharmaceutical company for manufacturing and exporting addictive pills containing a dangerous mix of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, called Tafrodol or Royal 225.

The NAFDAC boss reaffirmed her call for stricter penalties against counterfeit drug manufacturers and vendors, calling on the legislature to enact stronger laws and the judiciary to deliver judgments that reflect the severity of the crime to ensure effective deterrence.

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She expressed her determination to continue the fight against the manufacturing of unwholesome drugs.

Adeyeye described herself as a woman on a mission to continue her work unwaveringly, saying: “I was in the U.S. for 37 years. I came back home for service.

I could have been there, comfortable. And I tell people I came here as a missionary.

“If missionaries could leave their comfort zones where they were born and live with us in Nigeria, I do not have an excuse to come back home.

“Coming back home is not easy; it’s a sacrifice. I have grandchildren, I have children, that I don’t see. So, fear is not part of my daily dictionary.

“My coming back is to serve, but that doesn’t mean I don’t use my common sense. I use a lot of common sense, but it’s not just me alone; it’s also about my workers.

“I was not the one that was beaten and bleeding in Onitsha six months ago because they (NAFDAC workers) were on an inspection operation.

“There is one of our workers. One day, I just looked at her arm and asked: What happened? She said they went on an inspection and she almost lost her life.

“That is why the government has to know what we are doing and to compensate our workers accordingly, to protect us.”

• Bans dangerous opioid combinations

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an India-based company implicated in the illegal production and exportation of highly addictive opioid combinations to West Africa.

The Indian company was found culpable of manufacturing, selling and exporting a range of addictive pills containing a dangerous combination of Tapentadol, a potent opioid and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant with addictive properties linked to overdoses and fatalities. The mix comes as Tafrodol or Royal 225.

According to a BBC World Service investigation, the drugs, bearing the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo have been found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Consequently, the agency has also banned the sale and distribution of Tafrodol or Royal 225 in the country.

NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, while briefing the media in Abuja yesterday, affirmed that none of Tafrodol, Royal 225 or any product from Aveo Pharmaceuticals has ever been registered by the agency, noting that Tramadol doses above 100 mg, which are commonly trafficked by the company, have not been approved for medical use in Nigeria. 

“This is to inform the public that NAFDAC has never registered Tafrodol or Royal 225 or a strength of Tramadol greater than 100 mg (the prescription strength) or any product manufactured by Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited. 

“Therefore, drawing from the NAFDAC Act Cap N.1 LFN 2004 and the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap C.34 LFN 2004, NAFDAC has decided to BLACKLIST AVEO Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited,” she said.

Read Also: NAFDAC blacklists India-based pharmaceuticals company, bans dangerous opioid combinations

Giving a synopsis of the discovery, she said: “An undercover operative sent inside the factory, posing as an African businessman looking to supply opioids to Nigeria with a hidden camera recorded his interaction with Vinod Sharma who confessed to exportation of large consignments of this combination of drugs across West Africa and their distribution for abuse as street drugs and opioids”.

Considering the implications of the use of the drugs which an overdose can result in death, the DG assured, “We have intensified our enforcement activities against the sale of illicit and counterfeit pharmaceuticals across major distribution channels and hubs across the country, and this will continue to happen to make Nigeria an uncomfortable place to engage in such unethical and unapproved distribution of fake, substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products.

“We are also working with other regulatory authorities and security agencies to curb the entry into Nigeria through our borders and thereby prevent the distribution and circulation of these dangerous products”.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has blacklisted Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited, an India-based company implicated in the illegal production and exportation of highly addictive opioid combinations to West Africa. 

The Indian company was found culpable for manufacturing, selling, and exporting a range of addictive pills containing a dangerous combination of Tapentadol, a potent opioid and Carisoprodol, a banned muscle relaxant with addictive properties linked to overdoses and fatalities. The mix comes as Tafrodol or Royal 225.

According to a BBC World Service investigation, the drugs, bearing the Aveo Pharmaceuticals logo have been found on the streets of Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. 

Consequently, the agency has also banned the sale and distribution of Tafrodol or Royal 225 in the country.

NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, while briefing the media in Abuja on Friday, who affirmed that neither Tafrodol, Royal 225 nor any product from Aveo Pharmaceuticals has ever been registered by the agency, emphasized that tramadol doses above 100 mg, which are commonly trafficked by the company, have not been approved for medical use in Nigeria.  

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“This is to inform the public that NAFDAC has never registered Tafrodol or Royal 225 or a strength of tramadol greater than 100 mg (the prescription strength) or any product manufactured by Aveo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited.  

“Therefore, drawing from the NAFDAC Act Cap N.1 LFN 2004 and the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap C.34 LFN 2004, NAFDAC has decided to BLACKLIST AVEO Pharmaceuticals Pvt Limited,” she said. 

Giving a synopsis of the discovery, she said, “An undercover operative sent inside the factory, posing as an African businessman looking to supply opioids to Nigeria with a hidden camera recorded his interaction with Vinod Sharma who confessed to exportation of large consignments of this combination of drugs across West Africa and their distribution for abuse as street drugs and opioids”.

Considering the implications of the use of the drugs which an overdose can result in death, the DG assured, “We have intensified our enforcement activities against the sale of illicit and counterfeit pharmaceuticals across major distribution channels and hubs across the country and this will continue to happen to make Nigeria an uncomfortable place to engage in such unethical and unapproved distribution of fake, substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products. 

“We are also working with other regulatory authorities and security agencies to curb the entry into Nigeria through our borders and thereby prevent the distribution and circulation of these dangerous products”.

She also assured that measures such as pre-shipment inspections for high-risk countries like India, post-marketing surveillance, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections have been strengthened to prevent the importation and circulation of dangerous drugs. 

Additionally, she said the agency is collaborating with security agencies and international regulatory bodies to curb the entry of these illicit pharmaceuticals through Nigeria’s borders.  

The DG, however, urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid unregistered medications, while calling for continued support in the fight against fake and substandard drugs.

She also reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring only safe, high-quality, and efficacious medicines are available in Nig

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned students in Oyo State to avoid alcohol and drug consumption, warning of their harmful effects. 

NAFDAC described alcoholism as a chronic illness that can develop at any age, including adolescence, noting that alcohol consumption has become a troubling social issue in many countries. 

Speaking in Ibadan at the “Catch Them Young” inauguration of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) for secondary school students, themed “Your Future Counts! Say No to Illicit Drugs and Yes to Life”, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, expressed concern over the widespread use of alcohol among adolescents, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or race. 

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Represented by the Director of NAFDAC’s South West Zone, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, Adeyeye stressed that alcohol consumption can severely affect physical, emotional, social, and academic development. She urged young people to avoid substance abuse, emphasizing that adolescents are at a critical stage of growth. 

She further warned that alcohol-related issues among teenagers often lead to academic failure, school dropouts, legal troubles, and engagement in negative behaviors such as the use of obscene language and other social vices.

She said, “Health related problems like poor nutrition, memory disorders, liver disease, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, heart rhythm disturbances, anaemia, low blood sugar and weakened bones.

“You must develop alcohol drinking refusal skills because of the consequences of alcoholism. Alcohol is very common in our community, where they are freely sold in sachets and small-volume bottles.

“These are very dangerous for adolescents like you, and you must learn to resist the urge to engage in drinking alcohol. Once you start, you may not be able to stop.

“It is high time you as young Nigerians realise that this epidemic of drug, including alcohol abuse is destroying families, the workforce, and destabilizing our economy. All these pose a great threat to the future of good governance in Nigeria.

“NCSC programme with a focus on drug abuse education and awareness campaign on the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, this is important because of the segment of the nation that is most affected are the youths and by extension, the teenagers.”

She urged the students to be agents of change by propagating the right virtues that orientate through the activities of NCSC.

“You are urged to use your membership of NAFDAC of NCSC to assist in information flow on NAFDAC regulatory activities and promote the fight against drug abuse, fake and counterfeit regulated products.

“NAFDAC’s mission is to mould a future generation that is not only empowered to be upright but demand uprightness from others. The reality is that the fight against drug abuse is a fight for the future of Nigeria.

“The NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme is a comprehensive and coordinated intensive programme focused on secondary schools, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

“This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have an honest conversation with you, which will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption

“NCSC is one of the agency’s special public enlightenment strategies targeting the youths in the society in its effort to eradicate fake and substandard regulated products and enthrone a quality culture while employing the use of cutting-edge technology to track counterfeit

“NAFDAC has taken the campaign against drug abuse to the grass route by reestablishing NCSC in secondary schools where we will in collaboration with the school teacher with junior and senior secondary schools students to catch them Young and prevent lives addition and destruction.”

The Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on security agencies not to ignore calls by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, that there were threats to her life and her staff.

Afenifere said such comments must not be dismissed with mere platitudes.

It said Prof Adeyeye stood at the frontline of Nigeria’s battle against counterfeit drugs, toxic consumables, and the nefarious interests of syndicates profiting from human suffering.

Afenifere, in a statement by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, said any attempt on her life was an assault on public health, national security, and the very fabric of the society that aspired to be governed by law and order.

It said the country could not afford to abandon those who risk everything for the greater good.

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The statement noted that public officials like Prof. Adeyeye, the Chairman of the EFCC, and the head of the NDLEA must be fortified with comprehensive security apparatus, including armoured vehicles, elite personnel, and advanced surveillance systems.

According to the statement, “If criminals sense that the state lacks the will to protect its most critical functionaries, impunity will reign supreme, and the nation’s institutions will collapse under the weight of fear and intimidation.

“Afenifere takes an unequivocal stand: any threat to Prof. Adeyeye’s life shall not be tolerated. Nigeria cannot close its eyes while purveyors of deadly drugs roam free, flooding our land with poison. This is a battle for national survival, and the stakes could not be higher.

“We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act with the urgency and decisiveness this moment demands. An immediate security upgrade around Prof. Adeyeye, her family, and her dedicated operatives is imperative. She did not abandon a lucrative international career to be left vulnerable to assassins. She returned home to serve, and her sacrifice must be acknowledged, protected, and applauded by all discerning Nigerians.”

• Agency restates death penalty call for peddlers
• Adeyeye alleges receiving death threat

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized fake and illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in Onitsha, Aba, and Lagos.

The agency described the seizure as the largest in the history of its enforcement operations.

Addressing reporters yesterday at the State House in Abuja, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency’s operatives confiscated 87 truckloads of counterfeit, expired, and unregistered medical products, including USAID and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs and condoms found in sealed markets.

Reacting to a question on the value of the seizures made in the operation, Prof. Adeyeye said: “It is N1 trillion. It may have been an underestimation for now, but when we finish the operation, we will have a good idea.”

The NAFDAC boss decried the grave risks the agency’s officials faced in the course of performing their duty to safeguard the nation’s health.

She said fake drug cartels and other criminals in the illicit business have been threatening her life and those of her workers as the agency tightened the noose around the necks of the criminals’ businesses.

“I told you about the attempted murder about six months ago. One of our staff in Kano — his child was kidnapped because the father was doing what he was supposed to do. Fortunately, the child escaped.

“For me, 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 the police. To me, that is not my way of living. But I don’t have a choice because we’ve got to save our country,” Adeyeye said.

The NAFDAC boss called for harsher penalties for those involved in the counterfeit drug trade.

She particularly sought the support of the National Assembly to amend the NAFDAC Act and the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act to include life imprisonment and the death penalty for offenders.

Read Also: NAFDAC seizes N1trn worth of fake drugs in Anambra, Abia, Lagos

“Many people are dying; many have died as a result of the activities of fake drug peddlers. We call on the National Assembly to expedite the amendment of the NAFDAC Act to include life sentence and the death penalty in the penalties for crimes committed under these Acts,” she added.

Adeyeye described the illegal drug trade as a threat to public health and national security.

The NAFDAC boss listed some of the drugs in the large seizure, including large quantities of Tramadol, Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), Nitrazepam, and Diazepam, which are commonly linked to drug abuse and crimes.

“The sheer volume of these narcotics is enough to destabilise national security,” she warned.

The enforcement operation, which began on February 9, involved 1,100 security operatives, including the military, the police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Security forces cordoned off markets in Ariaria and Eziukwu (Aba), Bridge Head (Onitsha), and Idumota (Lagos) to prevent traders from smuggling out illegal products.

Adeyeye said NAFDAC operatives uncovered shocking violations of drug storage and distribution regulations.

According to her, over 7,000 shops were screened with 40 arrests made so far.

A database of offenders and their shops has been compiled for prosecution, she said.

The NAFDAC boss announced that all seized counterfeit drugs would be publicly destroyed where they were confiscated.

She also reaffirmed plans, in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), to relocate all open drug markets within the next year to six Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) — one in each geopolitical zone.

The successful crackdown was part of NAFDAC’s National Action Plan (NAP 2.0) 2023-2027 to eliminate counterfeit medicines, improve regulatory compliance, and protect public health.

Prof. Adeyeye’s revelations echoed the experiences of former NAFDAC Director General, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, who faced assassination attempts for her relentless fight against fake drugs.

…vows to prosecute offenders

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday partially unsealed major medicine and beverage markets in Abia State while vowing to arrest and prosecute those involved in drug counterfeiting.

The affected markets include Tenant Medicine Market, Ekumi Shopping Plaza—home to hair and beauty accessory dealers alongside pharmaceutical traders in Ariaria International Market—and Zone 9 in Eziukwu Market.

Cemetery Market Zone 9 had been sealed since December 16, 2024, while Ekumi Plaza was shut down about two weeks ago as part of a crackdown on counterfeit, unregistered, and adulterated medicines.

Earlier, The Nation reported that NAFDAC had sealed the popular Bakassi Zone of Eziukwu/Cemetery Market and the pharmaceutical section of Ekumi Plaza following the discovery of traders revalidating and relabeling expired medicines, baby foods, and beverages for sale to unsuspecting consumers.

Some traders, particularly those dealing in hair and beauty products at Ekumi Plaza, had expressed frustration over the prolonged shutdown of their shops, arguing that they were not involved in pharmaceutical sales.

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The decision to partially reopen the markets followed high-level discussions between Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and NAFDAC’s leadership at the national level.

Speaking during a meeting with market leaders at the Office of the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, NAFDAC Southeast Zonal Director Martins Iluyomade clarified that only shops not sealed by the agency and those not dealing in medicines would be allowed to resume business.

Iluyomade thanked Governor Otti for his support and warned that NAFDAC would prosecute anyone caught revalidating, relabeling, or counterfeiting medical and consumer products. 

He condemned the sale of adulterated medicines and beverages, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting public health.

He also urged affected shop owners to meet with NAFDAC officials to initiate the process of reopening their stores.

Governor Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, who represented the governor at the meeting, warned property owners against allowing their premises to be used for the sale of counterfeit or banned products, stating that such properties risked being confiscated.

He assured that the Abia State government would fully support NAFDAC’s crackdown on fake and adulterated medicines and beverages.

Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Anyanwu Obialor, also pledged the local government’s commitment to maintaining regulatory standards and warned that any shop owner found engaging in illegal activities would have their business license revoked.

…as DG reiterates call for death penalty for peddlers

…says ‘I don’t have life of my own, I received death threats’

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized fake and illicit drugs worth over N1 trillion in what it describes as the largest enforcement operation in its history, spanning major drug markets in Onitsha, Aba, and Lagos.

Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the agency’s operatives confiscated 87 truckloads of counterfeit, expired, and unregistered medical products, including USAID and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs and condoms, found in sealed markets.

Reacting to a question about the value of seizures made so far in the operation, Professor Adeyeye said, “it is N1 trillion. It may have been an underestimation for now, but when we finish the operation, we will have a good idea”.

Prof. Adeyeye decried the grave risks faced by NAFDAC officials, disclosing that her life and those of her staff have been threatened by criminal cartels involved in the illegal drug trade.

“I told you about the attempted murder about six months ago. One of our staff in Kano—his child was kidnapped because the father was doing what he was supposed to do. Fortunately, the child escaped,” she said.

Read Also: Why I didn’t attend APC national caucus meeting, by El-Rufai

She added, “for me, 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’ve got to save our country.”

The NAFDAC boss called for harsher penalties for those involved in the counterfeit drug trade, urging the National Assembly to amend the NAFDAC Act and the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act to include life imprisonment and the death penalty.

“Many people are dying, many have died, as a result of the activities of fake drug peddlers. We call on the National Assembly to expedite the amendment of the NAFDAC Act to include life sentence and the death penalty in the penalties for crimes committed under these Acts,” she stated.

Prof. Adeyeye described the illegal drug trade as a threat to public health and national security, highlighting the seizure of large quantities of Tramadol, Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), Nitrazepam, and Diazepam, which are commonly linked to drug abuse and crime.

“The sheer volume of these narcotics is enough to destabilize national security,” she warned.

The enforcement operation, which began on February 9, 2025, involved 1,100 security operatives, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS). 

Security forces cordoned off markets in Ariaria and Eziukwu (Aba), Bridge Head (Onitsha), and Idumota (Lagos) to prevent traders from smuggling out illegal products.

According to the NAFDAC Chief, operatives uncovered shocking violations of drug storage and distribution regulations, including:

“Large quantities of USAID and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs and condoms, meant for Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response, were found expired and repackaged for sale.

“Unapproved drugs: A banned Indian drug, Tafradol, recently exposed in a BBC investigation, was discovered in Onitsha.

“Severe storage violations: Vaccines, thermolabile drugs, and essential medicines were stored in toilets, staircases, rooftops, and rooms without ventilation, where temperatures reached 40°C, rendering them ineffective and potentially toxic” she said.

Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that over 7,000 shops were screened, with 40 arrests made so far. A database of offenders and their shops has been compiled for prosecution.

The NAFDAC DG announced that all seized counterfeit drugs will be publicly destroyed in the locations where they were confiscated.

She also reaffirmed plans, in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), to relocate all open drug markets within the next year to six Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs)—one in each geopolitical zone.

The crackdown was part of NAFDAC’s National Action Plan (NAP 2.0) 2023-2027, aimed at eliminating counterfeit medicines, improving regulatory compliance, and protecting public health.

Prof. Adeyeye’s revelations echoed the experiences of former NAFDAC DG Prof. Dora Akunyili, who faced assassination attempts for her relentless fight against fake drugs. 

Akunyili’s efforts significantly disrupted drug cartels and led to major reforms in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

With the ongoing war against counterfeit drugs, Prof. Adeyeye insists that the stakes are higher than ever, saying, “this is purely an enforcement operation to protect public health and rid our country of falsified and substandard medical products.”