By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye has called for the introduction of the death penalty for drug peddlers, particularly those whose actions result in the death of children.
Speaking at a programme on Friday, Professor Adeyeye emphasised that only severe penalties would effectively deter drug peddlers, especially those selling harmful and substandard medications.
She cited the case of a person importing a highly dangerous dose of tramadol, which could cause severe harm or death, yet receiving a minimal sentence of five years in prison or a fine of N250,000.
“Who would not pay a fine of N250,000 and go on to commit the same offence? That is part of our issue. There are no stringent measures in place to prevent repeated offences, I insist anyone that kills a child through falsified medicine should die.
“Lawmakers have promised to partner NAFDAC to make penalties for drug peddling far more severe.”
While NAFDAC works tirelessly to address these issues, Adeyeye also highlighted its struggle with limited staffing and resources. With just around 2,000 employees nationwide (equivalent to one NAFDAC staff serving 119,000 citizens, based on 238 million population), the agency faces significant challenges in carrying out its enforcement duties.
“We are understaffed and our funding is limited. I hope things improve so that we can strengthen our efforts,” Adeyeye said.
