Ontop Care Foundation DG, Ajemba Calls for NAFDAC DG’s Resignation Over Regulatory Concerns

By Admin 

The Director-General of Ontop Care Foundation, Mr. Stanley Ajemba, has called for the resignation of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, over what he described as the “need for stronger and more comprehensive regulation of food, beverages, medicines and household consumer products in Nigeria”.

The Director of the Foundation, Mr. Ajemba, said the growing concerns over counterfeit, adulterated and substandard products require urgent and sustained regulatory attention, arguing that Nigerians are exposed daily to a wide range of products whose authenticity and safety may be difficult for consumers to independently verify.

Ajemba expressed particular concern about the possible consumption of fake or substandard beverages, noting that Nigerians consume soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic drinks regularly.

According to him, “exposure to adulterated products could pose public-health risks, although diseases such as cancer and kidney disease have multiple causes and cannot be directly attributed to counterfeit food or beverages without scientific evidence”.

He therefore urged regulatory authorities to strengthen surveillance, enforcement, consumer education and accountability across the supply chain to reduce the circulation of unsafe products.

Ajemba’s comments come amid the ongoing debate over restrictions on sachet alcohol, and he argued that efforts to address alcohol-related harm should be accompanied by equally strong measures against counterfeit beverages, adulterated food products, fake consumer goods and other potentially hazardous substances.

He said Nigerians deserve a regulatory system that addresses public-health threats comprehensively, transparently and consistently.

The Foundation also referenced the tenure of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili as NAFDAC Director-General, noting that her leadership became closely associated with a highly visible campaign against counterfeit and substandard medicines.

He said her legacy continues to influence public expectations regarding regulatory leadership and the protection of consumers.

Calling for a reassessment of the leadership of NAFDAC, he said the agency must demonstrate stronger action in safeguarding the products Nigerians consume and use daily.

The Foundation’s call comes as part of a broader campaign for increased accountability in the regulation of food, medicines, beverages and consumer products in Nigeria.