The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has responded to growing public frustration regarding the prevalence of counterfeit food products in Nigeria. Her remarks come in the wake of increasing complaints from citizens, including a recent incident where actress Ruth Kadiri voiced her concerns after purchasing what she believed to be fake ginger.

In an interview with Businessday, Professor Adeyeye emphasized that many Nigerians are misinformed about the agency's responsibilities. She pointed out that NAFDAC's jurisdiction is primarily limited to processed and semi-processed food items, while the regulation of fresh produce falls under the Ministry of Agriculture. This distinction is crucial in understanding the roles of various agencies involved in food safety and regulation.

Professor Adeyeye stated, "Nigerians are very ignorant. We don't read, we don't understand. From farm to fork, there are many organizations that are involved. NAFDAC's mandate is for processed or semi-processed food. So the oranges you buy in the market, we don't control. However, if somebody puts pesticide on that orange, we have to train the farmer not to harvest on time."

She further explained that while NAFDAC oversees the approval and regulation of pesticide use, the primary responsibility for fresh produce lies with the Ministry of Agriculture. This includes training farmers on proper pesticide application and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Professor Adeyeye also highlighted the broader issue of literacy in Nigeria, noting that approximately 56% of the population struggles with reading and comprehension. This lack of understanding can lead to misuse of agricultural products, as she illustrated with an example of pesticide instructions: "Sometimes, our people don't understand. They think the more you put, the better."

The NAFDAC chief's comments underscore the need for better public education regarding food safety and the roles of various regulatory bodies. As concerns over food quality and safety continue to grow, it is imperative for Nigerians to be informed about the processes that govern food regulation in the country.

As the conversation around food safety intensifies, it remains to be seen how both NAFDAC and the Ministry of Agriculture will enhance their efforts to combat the issue of fake food products in the market and improve public awareness about their respective roles.