The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has described Nigerians as “very ignorant” while responding to concerns over the circulation of fake and substandard products in the country.
Adeyeye made the comment during an interview with BusinessDay TV on Monday, October 5, 2026, while explaining NAFDAC’s responsibilities and the roles of other government agencies in regulating food safety and agricultural products.
“First of all, we are ignorant in this country. We are very ignorant. We don’t read. We don’t understand,” Adeyeye said, arguing that many Nigerians do not fully understand which government agencies are responsible for different aspects of food safety.
The NAFDAC boss explained that the agency’s mandate primarily covers processed and semi-processed foods, while the Ministry of Agriculture has the primary responsibility for fresh agricultural produce.
She also highlighted the agency’s role in regulating pesticides and educating farmers on their appropriate use, including dosage instructions and the required period between pesticide application and harvesting.
Adeyeye’s comments come amid renewed public concern over suspected counterfeit, adulterated and substandard products in Nigerian markets. NAFDAC has faced increased scrutiny following a wave of social media reports alleging that fake food, medicines, cosmetics and other consumer products are widely available.
NAFDAC has defended its enforcement record, reporting that it removed 7,210 products from circulation after inspecting 6,233 facilities across Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory between May and July 2026. The agency has also reported 64 convictions for counterfeiting, with sentences ranging from one to seven years without the option of a fine.
The issue is significant because counterfeit and substandard products can pose serious risks to public health, while viral claims about allegedly fake brands can also create confusion and affect legitimate businesses.
NAFDAC has urged consumers to report suspected products through established channels and rely on scientific verification rather than social media claims alone. The agency maintains that tackling counterfeit products requires cooperation among regulators, businesses and consumers.
