The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has strongly refuted the claims made by social media influencer, Very Dark Man (VDM), alleging that the agency extorted ₦700,000 from traders during its regulatory activities at Onitsha Bridge Head Market.
In a rejoinder issued on Tuesday, NAFDAC labelled VDM’s comments as inflammatory and potentially breaching the Cybercrime Act, stating that it has reported the situation to the relevant security agencies for investigation.
VDM, in a widely circulated Instagram video, surrounded by protesting traders, alleged that NAFDAC extorted ₦700,000 for a service they claimed to be unaware of. He presented a document he asserted was a receipt for the payment and threatened to initiate legal proceedings.
In its response, NAFDAC clarified that the penalties imposed on traders were in accordance with established procedures and in line with federal regulations. The agency elaborated that during recent enforcement operations across three open drug markets, all inspected shops, warehouses, and stores were found to be in violation of Good Storage and Distribution Practices. Importantly, none of the premises were registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), a clear infringement of federal laws.
Concerning the disputed fees, the agency revealed that an investigative charge of ₦5 million was initially imposed on those selling unregistered products, which was later reduced to ₦200,000 after appeals were made. Likewise, a ₦2 million charge for non-compliance with storage standards was decreased to ₦500,000. “These charges are sanctioned by the Federal Government and are legitimate payments,” NAFDAC stated, dismissing allegations of extortion as groundless and misleading.
Earlier on Monday, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, had warned that VDM’s video could amount to incitement, potentially infringing upon the Cybercrime Act. She highlighted that the influencer’s encouragement for traders to defy regulatory measures undermines NAFDAC’s authority and could jeopardise public health.
“What this individual has done is to openly instruct his followers to disregard NAFDAC’s regulatory processes,” Prof. Adeyeye remarked, indicating that the enforcement actions were carried out under the authority of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
While the agency initially refrained from addressing the specific ₦700,000 payment mentioned by VDM, it provided a thorough breakdown and justification for the charges on Tuesday, emphasising that all actions were lawful and necessary to uphold drug safety standards.
NAFDAC implored the public to dismiss any misinformation and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through rigorous enforcement of regulatory standards. “NAFDAC operates firmly within its mandate,” the DG concluded.
The agency stated it would leave it to security and legal authorities to ascertain whether the influencer’s actions contravene any provisions of the Cybercrime Act.
Reaffirming NAFDAC’s mission, the DG articulated, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all medical products, medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and more used in Nigeria are of high quality, safe, and effective. These efforts are essential in reducing maternal and child mortality, enhancing life expectancy, and safeguarding citizens with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.”
