In a rejoinder on Tuesday, the agency described VDM’s comments as inciting and potentially in violation of the Cybercrime Act, stating that it has reported the matter to relevant security agencies for investigation.
VDM, in a widely circulated Instagram video surrounded by protesting traders, alleged that NAFDAC extorted ₦700,000 from the traders for a service they were unaware of.
He displayed a document he claimed was a receipt for the payment and threatened legal action. In response, NAFDAC clarified that the penalties imposed on traders followed due process and were in line with gazetted federal regulations.
The agency explained that during recent enforcement operations in three open drug markets, all inspected shops, warehouses, and stores were found to violate Good Storage and Distribution Practices.
More critically, none of the premises were registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), a clear breach of federal laws. Regarding the controversial fees, the agency disclosed that an investigative charge of ₦5 million was imposed on those selling unregistered products, which was later reduced to ₦200,000 after pleas.
Similarly, a ₦2 million charge for violating storage standards was reduced to ₦500,000. “These are Federal Government-gazetted charges and payments,” NAFDAC stated, dismissing allegations of theft as baseless and misleading.
