KWENU! Our culture, our future

I had a lot of support from the President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo – Akunyili

Sunday, November 13, 2005

A trailblazer, who has received several accolades, such as the recognition as the Icon of Hope for Nigerians in 2002 by President Olusegun Obasanjo and conferment with the National Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) also in 2002 by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for her impeccable credentials and reputable dossier of service, will unfortunately leave a vacuum greater for anyone to fill at the end of her tenure on April 15, 2006. It is generally agreed that no darkness could dim an iota of her legacy long after her tenure.  In this exclusive interview with ACHO ORABUCHI, Champion Newspaper US-based columnist, the NAFDAC Director General, DR. DORA NKEM AKUNYILI (OFR), a soft-spoken "iron-lady" who took office on the 12^th of April 2001, as the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), an internationally distinguished Pharmacist, eminent scholar, and a seasoned bureaucrat, whose vision transcends all cultures, spoke on various issues. Also, on the occasion of the Global Congress of Black Women Leaders in Houston, Texas on October 7-11, 2005, where she spoke on counterfeit drugs, we conversed further on burning national issues. Excerpts:

What was the import of your attendance at the Global Congress of Black Women Leaders in Houston?

I was invited to speak and I spoke on the menace of counterfeit drugs, especially in the developing countries and particularly in our country, Nigeria. A fight against fake drugs is a fight worth fighting for. The occasion gave me the opportunity to create the awareness of the existence of fake drugs and the impact on our lives. Counterfeit drugs have had the most impact on the vulnerable people, who could not afford expensive healthcare services. It is our moral responsibility to protect such people in our society. Fake drugs affect mostly women, children, elderly, and the poor. Fake drugs are more prevalent in developing countries that are mostly in black. One of my goals was to expose the existence counterfeit drugs to the world. Another goal was to disseminate information and creahabited byte a global awareness of the perennial problem. I believe that creation of awareness is part of the fight against the counterfeit drugs and counterfeiters. The counterfeiters have been enjoying the ignorance of their activities.

Also, it’s good to have the Global Congress of Black Women Leaders. It brings women leaders all over the world together. It gives women leaders the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from one another, and strategize on various national and global issues.

Do you have a political ambition?

I don’t have one. I do not seek one. However, I leave everything to God. Whatever God wants me to do, He will place me there. I’ll render services to the people wherever God places me.

You have been commended in several quarters for the marvelous job you have been doing since you became the D-G of NAFDAC. What is the driving force? What motivates you?

As the Director General of NAFDAC, being at the helm of affairs, the enormous responsibility that is associated with this work spurs me to desire to succeed at all cost. I met an unhealthy and chaotic situation in the food and drug regulation characterized by corruption and indiscipline at very high level of both staff of the Agency and the stakeholders. Circulation of fake, counterfeit and unwholesome regulated products with its attendant inimical consequences were left unabated. Our health care delivery system was bastardized and people were dying or their medical condition worsening because of fake drugs that were administered. Even my own sister died from the use of fake insulin injection she was using for diabetics. I found myself steering the ship of NAFDAC in the highly troubled sea and I had to take the bull by the horn to ensure the safety of lives entrusted in my hand.

In addition, the President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo appointed me to this position against all oppositions based on the report he got of my integrity through his childhood friend Dr. Soleye. The confidence reposed on me by the president was therefore too deep to be toyed with. The trust and hope that the people of Nigeria have in me, especially, Dr. Soleye who recommended me for this job despite the fact that he had never met me. Nigerians are always expressing their appreciation openly. The President is in the vanguard of this open pouring of encomiums, appreciations, encouragement, and support by Nigerians. Muslims and Christians pray for me in churches and mosques all over the country. The magnitude of the collective trust and confidence Nigerians have in me remains a major driving force compelling me to succeed. I truly feel that I need to give my best to Nigeria, a country that made me what I am today. In my entire academic career, from high school to doctorate level, I studied in Nigeria on scholarships. Even the scholarship for my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of London, which I won under the auspices of the Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, was by virtue of my being a Nigerian.

I also understand the huge health, economic and social security burden posed on our dear country Nigeria by ineffective regulation, which caused dumping of counterfeit drugs. Above all, this job provides me an opportunity to serve God in a special way so as to make heaven, which is the ultimate.

What are the challenges you face in performing your job? Did you have any institutional support when you first started?

The challenges I face in performing my job are numerous, these include:

CORRUPTION AND CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

Intimidation, harassment, threats and physical attacks on regulators who refuse to be compromised.

DISCRIMINATORY REGULATION BY EXPORTING COUNTRIES

Some countries have strong regulations for drugs consumed internally and little or no regulation for drugs meant for export. Discriminatory regulation informed the decision of the NAFDAC management to prohibit the importation into Nigeria of products marked “FOR EXPORT ONLY.” Any product that cannot be used in the country of manufacture is officially unacceptable in Nigeria. Presently, there are 90 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies producing about 30% of Nigeria’s drug need while the rest are imported. Most of the fake/counterfeit drugs in Nigeria are imported from Asia, particularly India and China.  From 2001 till date, we blacklisted and banned thirty Indian and Chinese companies and one Pakistani company (confirmed to be fake drug producers) from exporting drugs into Nigeria.

INSECURE AND UNFRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

In December 2003, an assassination attempt was made on my life. Gunmen fired at the vehicle I was travelling in, the back windscreen was shattered by bullets which pierced through my headscarf and burnt my scalp. During the shooting, a commercial bus was riddled with bullets and the driver died instantly. In the past four years, drug counterfeiters also planned other attacks, which by the grace of God did not succeed. In one of such instances, six (6) armed men invaded my residence in August 2001 but fortunately I was not available.

There have been numerous other threats through mails, telephone calls, and deposition of fetish objects in my office e.t.c. My family members and NAFDAC staff are also constantly under threat. The Agency’s properties have not been spared either. On 29th August 2002, our laboratory in Lagos was vandalized and most of our sensitive equipment were destroyed, while portable ones and samples for testing were carted away.

On the 7th of March 2004, NAFDAC offices at the Federal Secretariat, Ikoyi, Lagos were set ablaze. The fire started at different floors simultaneously.

On the 10th of March 2004, NAFDAC’s Kaduna laboratory, which serves the Northern part of the country, was also set ablaze. The fire also started at different corners of the building at the same time. In the same week these criminals broke into the premises of NAFDAC Maiduguri laboratory through a hole they bored on the fence but fortunately they were chased out by some alert security agents. Same week, the building adjacent to our Benin office was burnt down as a mistaken identity.

In July 2004, NAFDAC officers who confronted drug hawkers in Gombe state (Northern Nigeria) were severely beaten and their vehicle was destroyed.

CHAOTIC DRUG DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Drug distribution in Nigeria is very chaotic with drugs marketed like any other commodity of trade. Due to poor regulation over the years, drug markets evolved and got deeply established all over the country despite the illegality of such activities. Almost all drug manufacturers and importers supply to these drug markets. Drug sellers and even health professionals patronize the drug markets, which also service the hawkers that sell in streets and commercial buses.

Efforts made by NAFDAC to create an orderly Drug Distribution System so as to enable us phase out the existing disorganized Drug Markets, suffered a set back due to its unacceptability by some Pharmacists who are the major stakeholders in drug matters.

FALSE DECLARATION BY IMPORTERS

False declaration of imported goods by importers; Some drug importers, in order to evade inspection and detection, make false declarations about the nature and contents of the products in their containers. They employ unimaginable concealment methods for their nefarious activities, such as stacking drugs in the inner part of containers containing other items like clothings, hair products, motor spare parts or household items, or wrapping the drugs inside clothings.  We have made several seizures of drugs concealed inside t-shirts or baby wears.

SOPHISTICATION IN CLANDESTINE DRUG MANUFACTURE.

Sophistication in drug production has made it difficult for even brand owners to tell the difference between their brands and counterfeits.

LACK OF OR INADEQUATE LEGISLATION

Nigeria has a multiplicity of drug control laws that are non-deterrent, unwieldy, overlapping and sometimes conflicting. The penalties for importing, producing or distributing fake and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria ranges from imprisonment for between three months and five years with the option of fine of USD70 - USD3600.

Almost in all countries, laws against drug counterfeiters in most countries are very weak. Consequently, criminals are shifting from smuggling of narcotics and running of weapons to drug counterfeiting because it is financially lucrative and of relatively low risk. In the interim we have strengthened our regulatory processes by putting in place some administrative guidelines within the law.

OTHERS ARE: Lack of awareness of the problem, Inadequate cooperation from other government agencies, Irrational use of drugs, Scarcity of essential drugs, High cost of drugs, Poverty, etc

Yes, I had a lot of support and encouragement from the President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

There are things you have relished in your job. What are they? Do you have any regrets?

My greatest joy is the encouragement, support and prayers by the Nigerian Public. Even though, I am a Christian, Nigerians pray for me in both churches and mosques. The tremendous support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Health are also very motivatory. I have no regrets for taking up the job and doing it because somebody needed to take the job and somebody needs to do it.

Technically and structurally speaking, which areas of the industry (Food, drugs, and cosmetics) are prone to adulteration, substandard products, etc. and why?

Food, drugs and cosmetics are all prone to faking and adulteration but faking is more with drugs. This is because drugs are more expensive than food/cosmetics, and therefore attract more profit and the counterfeiters are solely driven by money.

How could Nigerians in the Diaspora help you to achieve your goal for the country?

Public enlightenment campaign is the key in fighting drug counterfeiters. In fact, these criminals succeeded in the last two decades because of lack of awareness by the consuming public. Nigerians in Diaspora can therefore help in creating awareness both in Foreign and Nigerian media. Awareness created by Nigerian media has contributed to the numerous training and donations offered to NAFDAC by international organizations.

What do you plan to do after your term of office ends on April 15, 2006?

From my past experience in life, God always plans better than I can ever do. I leave my future in the hands of God. I prefer that God does the planning for me because His planning will be perfect. Right now, I have an open mind, but if I am asked to choose, I will choose a job outside the country, for obvious reasons.

Would you still be afraid of your life after your term? What security plans does the federal government have in place for you and your family?

My life will always be in danger and it is a burden I have to carry with my family for life, but I find solace in the fact that nothing happens without God’s approval and that God is the ultimate security. I believe that the Federal Government will never leave me at the mercy of the criminals, at least I am sure of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s personal concern.

What are your expectations of your replacement?

I have been working with people and training them for the past four years plus, and I believe that a few of them are competent enough to carry on with the job.

There have been some attempts on your life. What are your reactions?

My family was devastated. Some family members were of the opinion that I should quit, but they eventually agreed with me that leaving the job before the end of my tenure in 2006 would mean victory for the criminals with all the attendant consequences. I spent the whole time during recuperation in prayers with priests, pastors, individuals and groups. I had a lot of sleepless nights and nightmares. No sedative could make me sleep most of the nights but I have gotten over all that now.

Do you consider yourself a role model? Why? Or why not?

Well, most Nigerian youths consider me as their role model because of our relentless work to eradicate fake drugs and other substandard products from Nigerian market.

Amid your relentless work to eradicate fake drugs and substandard products from the market, fake drugs and perpetrators continue to flourish. What are your reactions? Do you think that war against fake drugs could be won?

By the grace of God, the war has been won to a considerable degree. The following gains have been recorded among many others:

1. The Agency has greatly sanitized the Food and Drug Industry in the country and created a reasonably well-regulated environment, which has saved the lives of millions of Nigerians and boosted our economy by encouraging local industries, genuine importers and foreign investors.

2. Immense public awareness resulted in the participation of all stakeholders in the promotion of food and drug regulation in Nigeria, and has awakened the international consciousness that Nigeria is no longer a dumping ground for fake drugs and other substandard products.

3. The level of incidence of fake drugs has been reduced by over 80% from what it was in 2001. 

4. The production capacities of our local pharmaceutical industries have increased tremendously.

5. Twenty new drug manufacturing outfits were established in the last four years.

6. The confidence of investors in the pharmaceutical industry has been reinforced as evidenced in the continuous upward movement in the share prices of the pharmaceutical companies quoted in the Nigerian stock exchange.

7. Reforms led to renewed confidence and lifting of ban on made in Nigeria drugs by other West African countries.

8. Many Multinational Drug Companies are coming back to Nigeria due to improved regulatory environment. Lily, Ciba – Geigy and Sandoz (merged as Novartis) and Pharmacia are now back to Nigeria.

9. There are cheering reports of declining number of kidney failure patients and death rates in our hospitals. We are working in concert with all Government hospitals in Nigeria, by compiling the number of renal failure patients and deaths on monthly basis in order to establish a trend.

10. Almost US$80 million worth of fake drugs have been publicly burnt in the last four years. From 2001 to July 2005, over 1,000 raids were carried out on distribution outlets of fake drugs. We have secured 40 convictions in respect of counterfeit drugs related cases. Over 50 cases against violators are still pending in courts. Due to increased efficiency and transparency of NAFDAC staff, sanctions on erring manufacturers and importers are increasing steadily. 2,226 sanctions were issued in 2002; 3,178 in 2003; and 3,460 in 2004.

11. Sanitization of table water and sachet water production has greatly reduced cholera and other water borne diseases outbreaks, which used to be rampant in the country.

12. NAFDAC monitors salt iodization in Nigeria and in this regard, UNICEF rated Nigeria as the first country in Africa to achieve universal salt iodization. Consequently, Nigeria was celebrated in Bejing 2003. We have 100% compliance at Manufacturers and Distributors levels and 98% at retail and household levels.

13. In 2004, NAFDAC in collaboration with UNICEF formally launched the Vitamin A Food Fortification Programme in Nigeria, as a thrust towards eradicating Vitamin A Deficiency Disorders (VAD), and all developing countries are looking up to us to give the same lead as we did for salt iodization, and I am convinced we will.

What are your reactions to President Obasanjo’s recent burst of anti-corruption actions? Is the campaign convincing? What more do you expect in any such campaign against corruption in the country?

President Obasanjo’s recent burst of anti-corruption is a step in the right direction. We should be happy that something is happening about this cankerworm that has eaten deep into every fabric of our social and economic life in the country, impoverishing the masses in the midst of plenty. It is a welcome development that some people are being exposed and disgraced and even being asked to return their loots. This deserves to be celebrated. I believe that this anti-corruption crusade will at least frighten some crooks and thieves and make them think twice before they dip their leprous hands into public coffers to collect staggering sums that they do not need.

Africa has been agitating for a place in the security council of the United Nations. What difference will any such membership make for Africa and what criteria should be considered in selecting the country to have the permanent seat if it materializes?

Africa is right to agitate for a permanent place in the Security Council of the United Nations. In the first place, it is even unfair that a major continent like Africa does not have a seat. It gives the impression that the United Nations is undemocratic in its ways and decisions. The membership will give us opportunity to be part of decision making for such a universal organization that binds most countries of the world. I believe that the most important criterion to be considered in selecting the country to have a permanent seat is population, followed by good governance. I pray that Nigeria will be favoured.

How better off is the image of Nigeria now before the world?

The image of Nigeria is improving now than ever before. We have embraced democracy. We are fighting corruption. We have engaged in various reforms and our food and drug industry have been so sanitized that we are now exporting to other West African countries. I believe that in no distant time, we will take over the African market as far as food and drugs are concerned. It is noteworthy, that Nigeria is in the forefront in the fight against drug counterfeiting for both developed and developing countries.   

Leadership in Igboland remains a problem. The situation puts the Igbo in a relatively disadvantaged position in the Nigerian setup. Does the situation bother you? What do you recommend for the people?

The situation does not only border me, it makes me feel very ashamed of myself as an Igbo person. Since 1999, we have remained the only [nation] that cannot form a political block. Every Igbo man wants to be a president and, in the end, we get nothing. I recommend that we go back to the drawing board, correct all our political blunders of the past and agree to form a political block. If we continue the way we are going, [a president of Igbo extraction] will remain an illusion.

Your departure may be greeted with a sigh of relief by your foes, who could not wait for your exit so that they could undo what you have tirelessly built; what you did to protect the masses from the dangers of fake drugs. What is your response?

We have so institutionalized NAFDAC in the last four and half years that it will be very difficult for any body to come and undo what we have done. We have put in place Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) and Operational Guidelines for sustainability of our activities.

Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation USA, Inc (PNF USA) recently recognized you with the 2005 Diamond Leadership Award.  What are your reactions?

I felt very honoured that my own people in faraway America honoured me. I felt greatly encouraged and motivated by the Diamond Leadership Award by Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation, USA.

What specifically could you point at as your lasting legacy?

I want to be remembered as being able to effectively eradicate fake drugs in Nigeria to a reasonable level and to create a strong regulatory environment such that food and drug products from Nigeria will be competitive in the world market and our food, drugs and cosmetics industries will be comparable to those in developed countries. I have not talked about total eradication of fake drugs because drug faking is a crime and once a crime is introduced into a system, it can never be eradicated to zero. There are fake drugs even in developed countries and the incidence is even increasing in USA at an alarming rate. If we can reduce fake drugs to 1% or less, we should celebrate it.

Is there anything else that you would like us to know?

If you raise more questions based on what I have said, I will not hesitate to reply and I promise that this will not be delayed at all.

www.kwenu.com: Simply surprise yourself yonder!