The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning against what it describes as a “misleading and inciting statement” made by a social media influencer regarding the Federal Government’s enforcement operations at the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha.
In an official statement, NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, alerted security agencies to the potential breach of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, stating that the influencer’s commentary was aimed at inciting traders against the regulatory agency’s operations.
Professor Adeyeye emphasized that the recent enforcement campaign is part of a nationwide effort to clean up the country’s drug distribution system. Between February 9 and March 27, 2025, NAFDAC conducted extensive raids in three major Open Drug Markets located in Idumota (Lagos), Aba (Abia), and Onitsha (Anambra). The operation targeted shops, stalls, and warehouses that were found to be storing and distributing banned, expired, substandard, falsified, and unregistered medicines.
According to NAFDAC, over one trillion naira worth of illicit and dangerous medical products—including falsified and expired narcotic substances—were seized and destroyed during the crackdown. The agency reported that the affected premises did not comply with Good Storage and Distribution Practices (GSDP) and lacked mandatory registration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), in clear violation of federal laws.
The Director General further disclosed that administrative penalties were imposed on violators. Offenders originally faced fines such as ₦5 million for the sale of unregistered drugs (later reduced to ₦200,000 upon appeal), and ₦2 million for improper storage practices (also reduced to ₦500,000 after considerations).
NAFDAC refuted ongoing social media speculations, clarifying that these enforcement actions and corresponding fines are established and recognized under federal government regulations. Prof. Adeyeye stressed that NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medical products—ranging from drugs and vaccines to medical devices—used within Nigeria.
She highlighted the public health risks posed by unregulated drug markets, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. “Our goal is to reduce preventable deaths and improve the overall life expectancy of Nigerians by ensuring access to safe and effective medicines,” she added.
The agency concluded by urging the general public to disregard false narratives circulating on social media and instead support the ongoing regulatory efforts. NAFDAC reaffirmed its dedication to protecting public health and upholding its mandate to ensure that all medical products in Nigeria meet global safety and quality standards.
