‘We are very ignorant’ – NAFDAC DG fires back at Nigerians over fake products

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has criticized Nigerians for their lack of understanding regarding the agency's role in regulating fake products. In a recent interview, Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC does not oversee fresh agricultural produce such as oranges sold in markets, a responsibility that falls to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Adeyeye emphasized that NAFAC's mandate is focused on processed or semi-processed foods, including products derived from yams and other processed food items. The oranges purchased in local markets are not controlled by NAFDAC, she stated. However, if pesticides are used improperly on these oranges, NAFDAC has a role to play in ensuring their safe application.

The NAFDAC DG highlighted that some farmers may misuse pesticides by exceeding the recommended quantity, which can pose health risks. This issue, she suggested, is partly due to low literacy levels among farmers, who incorrectly believe that using more pesticide will yield better results. To address this, NAFDAC's Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products Directorate visits farmers and stakeholders to educate them on the correct pesticide usage and the necessary waiting period before harvest.

Adeyeye clarified that NAFDAC cannot reach every farmer in Nigeria due to the vast number of agricultural producers across the country. She noted that the Ministry of Agriculture should be responsible for this task. Despite these limitations, Adeyeye reiterated that NAFDAC's control over pesticides also obligates the agency to assist in educating farmers on their proper use.