Allegations of lopsided appointments, nepotism baseless, says NDLEA

• Agency destroys over N2b worth of counterfeit goods in Enugu

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday dismissed allegations of nepotism and favouritism in the appointment of its Directors, Commanders, and other high-ranking officials as baseless.
Agency spokesperson Femi Babafemi issued a statement refuting insinuations on social media that appointments to senior positions are biased in favour of Northern Muslims over Southern Christians.
The statement notes: “For the benefit of the public, the Agency would like to state the following: Out of 20 Directors/Commandants in the NDLEA, 14 are Christians and six are Muslims. Of the 14 Zonal Commanders, nine are Christians and five are Muslims. Out of 37 State Commanders, 19 are Christians and 18 are Muslims.
“Of the 14 Special Area Commanders, 10 are Christians and four are Muslims. Out of 12 Coordinators/Heads of Units, nine are Christians and three are Muslims. And out of 11 Heads of Operation, seven are Christians and four are Muslims.”
“In total, out of the 108 topmost appointments and positions in the Agency, 68 are held by Christians and 40 by Muslims, representing a ratio of 63 per cent and 37 per cent respectively. This contradicts the perception that some mischief-makers are trying to create against the Agency’s leadership.”
“The Agency wishes to assure the public that its leadership remains focused and committed to combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and merit in providing opportunities for its workforce.
ALSO, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed over N2 billion counterfeit and adulterated products in Enugu yesterday.
The products, which included rice, drugs, and assorted drinks, were confiscated from dealers in the five southeastern states.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that the products could have compromised the health of over 3 million Nigerians if they had not been detected.
She added that the destruction of these products has prevented further strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system and economy.
The Director General, represented by Mr Iluyomade Martins, the South East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, emphasised the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products in Nigeria.
She warned that NAFDAC would not relent in its efforts to combat counterfeit and substandard goods.
The destruction exercise was held at the Enugu State Waste Management Authority dumpsite.