Nollywood actress Mary Remmy Njoku has taken a strong stance against the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, following comments made about the public's role in food safety. Njoku's remarks come in response to Adeyeye's assertion that many Nigerians lack awareness of food labeling and the agency's responsibilities, a statement that has sparked significant debate regarding the accountability of food regulation in Nigeria.

The controversy arose after Professor Adeyeye attributed the prevalence of counterfeit and substandard food products in Nigeria to consumer ignorance. She claimed that many Nigerians do not read food labels and are unaware of NAFDAC's constitutional mandate, which she clarified does not extend to regulating raw, fresh market produce. Instead, she stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for that aspect, emphasizing that NAFDAC's jurisdiction is limited to processed and semi-processed food items.

In a pointed response, Njoku took to social media to challenge the NAFDAC chief's narrative, arguing that the issue at hand is not about consumer literacy but rather about the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement. "This isn't about whether Nigerians read labels. This is about whether the regulator is regulating," Njoku asserted. She emphasized that the public cannot be expected to navigate the complexities of food safety when there are systemic failures in inspection and enforcement.

Njoku's comments highlight a growing frustration among Nigerians regarding the safety of food products in the market. Many citizens have expressed concerns over the increasing incidence of counterfeit goods, which pose serious health risks. The actress called for NAFDAC to prioritize public health and safety rather than deflecting responsibility onto consumers.

This exchange underscores a critical dialogue about food safety in Nigeria, as the public increasingly demands accountability from regulatory bodies. Njoku's intervention in this matter reflects a broader call for stronger oversight and enforcement mechanisms to protect consumers from harmful products. As discussions continue, the expectations for NAFDAC to enhance its regulatory efforts remain high, with many hoping for tangible changes that will ensure food safety across the nation.