In a decisive move to combat the growing menace of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has called on the Attorney General of the Federation to propose stiffer sanctions, including life imprisonment, for individuals and businesses involved in the production and importation of fake medicines.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Tolani Shagaya, a lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress, during Thursday’s plenary session.
Shagaya raised concerns over the escalating production, importation, and distribution of fake and substandard goods, including drugs, food, and beverages across the country.
He warned that this development not only endangers public health but also threatens national security and economic stability.
Citing reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), he pointed out that Nigeria remains one of the most affected countries in the world by counterfeit medicines.
These fake products contribute to thousands of avoidable deaths annually, worsening the country’s public health crisis.
The lawmaker also referenced recent raids by NAFDAC, including the seizure of counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products worth over ₦5 billion at the Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State.
This, he said, highlights the widespread nature of the issue.
According to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria suffers economic losses of approximately ₦15 trillion annually due to counterfeit and substandard goods.
Shagaya stressed that these losses discourage genuine investment in the pharmaceutical and food industries while putting millions of Nigerians at risk.
Shagaya argued that despite existing regulations, weak enforcement mechanisms, corruption, and the absence of stringent penalties have emboldened perpetrators to continue their illicit activities.
He noted that many offenders return to the illegal trade due to lenient fines and bailable sentences.
“The current legal framework does not provide sufficient deterrence, allowing criminals to operate with impunity,” he stated, calling for a national state of emergency to address the issue.
With overwhelming support from lawmakers, the House of Representatives resolved to:
Urge the Attorney General of the Federation to propose amendments to existing laws, imposing life imprisonment for those involved in the production and importation of fake drugs.
Introduce significant fines for businesses found guilty of dealing in counterfeit goods.
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Strengthen regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, SON, and the Nigerian Customs Service by providing adequate funding, modern equipment, and advanced technology for surveillance, detection, and enforcement.
Establish a special task force comprising security agencies, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary to fast-track investigations and prosecutions of offenders.
Direct its Committees on Health, Commerce, and Industry to conduct a comprehensive probe into the prevalence of counterfeit products and propose legislative measures to close regulatory gaps.
With counterfeit drugs posing a major threat to public health and Nigeria’s economy, the House’s move signals a strong legislative effort to curb the menace and hold perpetrators accountable.
Whether these measures will translate into stricter enforcement remains to be seen.