The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has strongly advocated for the death penalty for individuals involved in the production, distribution, and sale of fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria.
During a recent press conference, Adeyeye expressed grave concerns about the growing menace of counterfeit drugs in the country, highlighting the severe risks they pose to public health. She emphasized that fake drugs have been responsible for countless fatalities and the deterioration of the healthcare system, making them a serious threat to both individuals and the nation as a whole.
"The impact of counterfeit drugs on the Nigerian population cannot be overstated," said Professor Adeyeye. "These drugs are often substandard, unregulated, and frequently cause irreversible harm or death. We must take drastic measures to protect innocent lives and hold those responsible accountable."
NAFDAC’s DG has long been at the forefront of efforts to curb the distribution of fake drugs and has led several successful campaigns aimed at educating the public and strengthening regulatory frameworks. Despite these efforts, she noted that the scale of the issue remains troubling, with counterfeit drugs flooding markets across the nation.
Professor Adeyeye's proposal for the death penalty stems from her belief that the severity of the crime warrants an equally severe punishment. According to her, fake drug dealers often exploit vulnerable populations, undermining the credibility of legitimate pharmaceutical practices and inflicting lasting harm on Nigerian society.
The call for capital punishment has sparked debate among health professionals, lawmakers, and the public. While many support stricter penalties, others urge a balanced approach that includes stronger enforcement measures, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced cooperation between regulatory bodies.
NAFDAC has consistently worked to disrupt the activities of counterfeit drug dealers by conducting raids, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and implementing modern technologies to trace and identify fake products. However, Professor Adeyeye believes that only a firm legal framework, such as the death penalty, can effectively deter these criminal acts.
“The time has come to send a clear message to anyone involved in this crime. The safety of our citizens must take precedence over any form of illegal profit-making,” she added.