Taking to Instagram, Njoku described a troubling experience with suspected ineffective medication after suffering from food poisoning while working on a film set. Her story has sparked renewed calls for closer scrutiny of the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The actress recounted how she fell ill and sent a crew member to purchase Imodium, an over-the-counter medication commonly used to treat diarrhea, from a prominent pharmacy chain in Nigeria. Despite taking the drug for three days, her symptoms reportedly did not improve.
In her post, Njoku explained that her husband later gave her an identical brand of Imodium sourced from abroad. According to her, she experienced relief within minutes of taking the imported version—a stark contrast to the ineffective local purchase.
“This isn’t the first time I have noticed a difference,” she wrote. “So I have to ask: What exactly are we being sold in Nigeria? What’s going on with our drugs?”
Calling the situation a serious public health risk, Njoku appealed directly to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to investigate the matter urgently.
“This is very dangerous,” she warned. “NAFDAC must take it seriously.”
Her post has resonated widely on social media, with many Nigerians sharing similar frustrations about the perceived prevalence of substandard or counterfeit medications in the country. Health professionals have long flagged the circulation of fake drugs as a persistent and dangerous problem, with consequences ranging from prolonged illness to loss of life.
While NAFDAC has made efforts in recent years to strengthen monitoring and enforcement against counterfeit pharmaceuticals, Njoku’s viral appeal underscores the need for greater transparency, stricter regulation, and consumer education to protect public health.
As her story gains traction, many hope it will prompt a more comprehensive response from authorities to address a problem that affects millions of Nigerians seeking safe and effective medical treatment.