The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for intensifying its crackdown on fake and substandard drugs across the country.
Akpoti-Uduaghan gave the commendation on Friday during the 2026 Budget Defence session of Ministries, Departments and Agencies under the Senate Committee on Health, where lawmakers reviewed budget proposals, implementation records and performance benchmarks in the health sector.
The lawmaker described counterfeit medicines as a “silent killer,” noting that their widespread circulation has claimed numerous lives and undermined public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
She praised the Director-General of NAFDAC for what she described as exceptional diligence and courage in tackling the long-standing menace of fake drugs nationwide.
“I want to specially commend the Director-General of NAFDAC and her team for their unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerians from fake and dangerous drugs,” she said.
“The interception of these counterfeit products is not just an enforcement success; it is a lifesaving intervention that reinforces public confidence in our healthcare system.”
NAFDAC has in recent months scaled up enforcement operations across open drug markets, pharmacies and points of entry, leading to the seizure of large consignments of counterfeit and substandard medicines believed to pose serious risks to public health.
Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that fake and substandard drugs contribute significantly to treatment failures, avoidable deaths and erosion of trust in medical institutions.
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“Fake drugs kill silently and erode trust in our health institutions. What NAFDAC is doing is restoring that trust and sending a strong message that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for counterfeiters,” she added.
The senator called for sustained legislative support and adequate funding for the agency to strengthen surveillance systems, modernise laboratory infrastructure and tighten enforcement at borders and local markets.
She stressed that adequately empowering NAFDAC would safeguard the health and dignity of Nigerians.
The Senate Committee on Health also reaffirmed its commitment to enhanced oversight of health-related MDAs to ensure they are properly resourced to carry out their mandates, particularly in combating fake and substandard medical products.