Abuja, Nigeria — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed deep concern over alleged attempts by a social media influencer to undermine its regulatory authority in the ongoing fight against counterfeit drugs.
The alarm was raised in a statement signed by NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, following a viral video featuring the influencer known as Very Dark Man (VDM) amidst protesting traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State.
In the video, the influencer claimed that NAFDAC officials were extorting traders—demanding payments ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦700,000—before allowing the reopening of their shops after a clampdown on unwholesome pharmaceuticals.
Responding to the allegations, Prof. Adeyeye clarified that the market had officially reopened on March 9, 2025, with over 2,500 traders operating from 3,500 shops resuming business after undergoing proper regulatory procedures. She stated that only a small number of traders, allegedly dealing in banned narcotics, had yet to comply with verification protocols.
She further explained that, through collaboration with state governments, traders were granted a moratorium to relocate to a Coordinated Warehouse Centre—a structured environment designed to improve oversight and accountability in line with gazetted regulations.
Decrying the video as misleading, NAFDAC accused the influencer of inciting the public to resist lawful enforcement actions. The agency warned that such actions may constitute a violation of the Cybercrime Act, and that the matter had been brought to the attention of relevant security agencies.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that the agency’s focus remains on dismantling the networks responsible for distributing dangerous pharmaceuticals and reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to upholding public safety.
“The real issue is the protection of lives,” she stated. “We will not be distracted by attempts to divert attention from our mandate.”
By Adeola Olaniya| May 27, 2025
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