The NAFDAC Boss, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has dismissed calls for her resignation amid renewed concerns over the circulation of fake and substandard products in Nigeria.
Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), laughed when asked during an engagement with journalists in Lagos whether she would consider stepping down over the criticism facing the agency.
The NAFDAC chief subsequently defended her nine-year tenure, highlighting what she described as the progress recorded by the agency under her leadership.
Adeyeye said she returned to Nigeria after spending decades in the United States because she wanted to serve the country and contribute to improving NAFDAC.
“I came here to serve,” she said.
She also challenged anyone who had accused her of demanding money from contractors to come forward with evidence.
NAFDAC Boss Defends Agency’s Record
The comments by the NAFDAC Boss came amid continued concerns over counterfeit medicines and other substandard products in the Nigerian market.
The circulation of fake products has raised questions about the effectiveness of regulatory agencies in preventing unsafe goods from reaching consumers.
NAFDAC, however, has pointed to its enforcement activities, saying it has destroyed or seized fake and substandard products worth more than ₦1.5 trillion since 2023.
Adeyeye also recalled the condition of NAFDAC when she assumed office in 2017.
According to her, the agency inherited about ₦3.2 billion in liabilities, while some laboratory equipment was in poor condition.
She said her administration subsequently worked to clear the liabilities and improve NAFDAC’s regulatory capacity.
Adeyeye cited the agency’s attainment of maturity level three in 2022 and its membership of international regulatory bodies as evidence of progress under her leadership.
She maintained that despite the criticism, NAFDAC remained focused on protecting Nigerians and strengthening the country’s regulatory system.
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Adeyeye Responds to Resignation Calls
Returning to the question of whether she intended to resign, Adeyeye gave a pointed response.
“So that question, ‘when are you going to resign?’ I hope you got the answer?” she said.
The NAFDAC chief’s response came as pressure over the circulation of fake and substandard products continued to generate public concern.
Adeyeye maintained that her record at the agency should speak for itself, while defending the work carried out during her tenure.
She said her decision to return to Nigeria after a long career in the United States was motivated by a desire to serve and help improve the country’s regulatory system.