The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Monday sharply condemned social media influencer Very Dark Man (VDM) for encouraging traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market to defy federal drug enforcement regulations. This strong rebuke underscores the agency’s firm stance on compliance and public health protection.
In a detailed press statement, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Christiana Adeyeye accused VDM of sharing videos that allegedly incite traders to resist NAFDAC’s directives following recent raids on open drug markets across Nigeria. She warned that such actions could violate the Cybercrime Act and called for a thorough investigation by security agencies.
Highlighting its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians, NAFDAC blasts VDM for encouraging Onitsha traders who are resisting regulatory efforts after extensive enforcement operations that targeted major drug markets in Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha. These raids resulted in the removal and destruction of banned, expired, and substandard narcotics valued at over a trillion Naira.
The enforcement efforts, conducted between February and March 2025, exposed glaring violations of proper drug storage and distribution regulations. “These markets lacked basic registration and compliance with Good Storage and Distribution Practices, posing serious risks to public health,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
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Since the reopening of the Onitsha market on March 9, 2025, over 2,500 traders have complied with regulatory standards. However, NAFDAC disclosed that some traders linked to banned narcotics continue to resist compliance and are allegedly working with influencers like VDM to fuel public dissent.
As part of this crackdown, NAFDAC blasts VDM for encouraging Onitsha traders in an attempt to undermine enforcement actions. “The remaining non-compliant shops are connected to outrightly banned substances. Those responsible for this incitement seek to distract from their illegal activities and avoid accountability,” the agency explained.
The incitement comes amid NAFDAC’s directive for traders to relocate to Coordinated Warehouse Centres (CWCs), established to enhance monitoring and regulation of drug distribution nationwide. Prof. Adeyeye stressed that these measures are vital to curb counterfeit drug circulation and protect public health.
She urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly on the influencer’s incitement and reassured Nigerians of NAFDAC’s unwavering dedication to public safety. “Merchants of death who fuel insecurity and peddle fake medicines will face the full force of the law,” she warned.
Reaffirming its core mission, NAFDAC emphasized its commitment to ensuring all medicines, vaccines, and medical devices in Nigeria meet strict safety and quality standards. The agency also called on the public to support its ongoing fight against counterfeit drugs and maintain the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system.
