The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has come under criticism after a video showing her laughing in response to calls for her resignation went viral on social media.
The incident occurred during a recent press briefing organised by the agency to address concerns over the circulation of suspected counterfeit and adulterated food and beverage products in Nigerian markets.
During the briefing, a journalist reportedly raised the issue of growing public calls for Adeyeye to resign over concerns about the agency’s handling of the alleged proliferation of fake products.
Rather than directly addressing the demand, Adeyeye was captured laughing, a reaction that has since triggered criticism from Nigerians on social media.
The backlash comes amid heightened concerns over the circulation of suspected fake yoghurt, adulterated palm oil and counterfeit beverages, with citizens demanding stronger regulatory measures to protect public health.
Some social media users described the reaction as insensitive, arguing that the issue of counterfeit food and drugs was too serious to be treated lightly.
One user, Nwagbara Izuchuk, alleged that the reaction reflected how some senior government officials viewed ordinary Nigerians, while another user, OLUCHI, questioned why the President would retain an official if he was serious about holding those responsible accountable.
Another commentator, DBeemieborlah, criticised what they described as an apparent lack of concern among some senior officials for the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Morris Monye also condemned the reaction, stressing that the responsibilities of NAFDAC were too important to be treated as a joke.
Similarly, a user identified as sabimarket said the reaction did not portray the agency in a positive light, particularly at a time when public confidence in its regulatory role was being questioned.
The controversy has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for greater accountability and more decisive action against manufacturers and distributors of fake and adulterated products.