In a dramatic display of solidarity, over seven bishops from various Christian denominations gathered today at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office in Asaba, Delta State, to protest against the agency's ongoing investigations into the spiritual products promoted by Senior Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministries. The bishops, undeterred by heavy rain, carried placards with messages asserting that spiritual products should not fall under NAFDAC's regulatory purview.
The protest was sparked by NAFDAC's recent announcement regarding its investigation into Fufeyin's Miracle Water and Miracle Soap, which the agency claims are being marketed with misleading health claims and are not registered with NAFDAC. NAFDAC's Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has cautioned the public against these products, stating that they are unverified and potentially harmful.
Speaking on behalf of the bishops, Metropolitan Archbishop Samuel Baaba emphasized, “We are men of God and we are here in solidarity to send a message to NAFDAC to refrain from its steps over spiritual matters. NAFDAC does not have the right to regulate spiritual products. There is a limit to what people can do, especially when it comes to matters of faith.”
The bishops argued that spiritual products, such as those offered by Fufeyin's ministry, possess inherent spiritual backing and should be exempt from secular regulatory frameworks. They highlighted the importance of respecting faith-based practices and beliefs, which they believe are being undermined by NAFDAC's actions.
The protest comes in the wake of NAFDAC's warning to the public regarding the use of these miracle products, which have been marketed with claims of healing capabilities, including fertility enhancements. NAFDAC has received numerous petitions from concerned citizens, prompting its investigation into the legitimacy of these claims. The agency has also taken steps to seal the Globod Table Water factory, which is alleged to be involved in the production of these unregistered items.
The bishops' demonstration reflects a broader tension between regulatory authorities and faith-based organizations in Nigeria, particularly concerning the intersection of spirituality and health claims.