The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has strongly criticized many drug hawkers in Nigeria, labeling them as "merchants of death." She expressed her deep concern that the rampant practice of drug hawking poses a significant challenge to the country's healthcare system. NAFDAC is determined to eradicate this illicit trade.

Prof. Adeyeye made these remarks during the opening of a one-day North Central Zone Media Sensitization Workshop on the Dangers of Drug Hawking and the Ripening of Fruits with Calcium Carbide. The workshop was organized for the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHJ) in Lafia.

Represented by Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, the Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that many of the drugs sold by illiterate and semi-literate drug hawkers are counterfeit, substandard, or expired. These products do not meet the required quality, safety, and efficacy standards for regulated medicines.

She pointed out that these drug hawkers, knowingly or unknowingly, jeopardize essential and life-saving medicines by exposing them to harsh weather conditions, which can degrade the active ingredients and transform them into harmful substances, posing a grave risk to human lives.

Furthermore, Prof. Adeyeye issued a warning against the consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide, highlighting the serious health risks associated with it, including cancer, heart problems, kidney and liver failure, and various other health issues.

The Director General also noted that NAFDAC had observed the illegal sale of bulk industrial food or ingredients that lacked proper retail packaging in markets. These items were openly displayed and sold to unsuspecting buyers, often without adequate precautions to prevent contamination.

She assured the public that NAFDAC is actively addressing these unacceptable practices in the marketplace and advised against purchasing such dangerous non-retail items to avoid the serious health implications associated with consuming contaminated, substandard, expired, or adulterated food.

Hassan Zaggi, the President of ANHJ, commended NAFDAC for organizing the workshop and urged journalists to lead the campaign to inform Nigerians about activities that endanger their health. The workshop included presentations on various topics related to food and drug safety and the influence of mass media campaigns on health behavior change.

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