NAFDAC DG Links Counterfeit Medicine Crisis to Gaps

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), stated that Nigeria's counterfeit medicine crisis stems from longstanding weaknesses in the country's pharmaceutical regulatory system. During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, she noted that the removal and subsequent return of regulatory responsibilities for patent medicine dealers contributed to the rise of open drug markets, populated by individuals lacking adequate knowledge of medicines.

Adeyeye highlighted the historical mismanagement of patent medicine dealer regulations and the impact of substandard and falsified medicines. She mentioned that NAFDAC is now implementing changes in drug registration processes, utilizing the Common Technical Document to align with international standards.

Despite the agency's increased enforcement efforts, which have faced pushback from affected businesses, Adeyeye defended her leadership amid calls for her resignation. She pointed out that over 70% of medicines in Nigeria are imported, with local manufacturers heavily reliant on foreign inputs.