National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to propose amendments to existing laws that would impose harsher penalties—including the death penalty—on individuals involved in the production and circulation of fake and adulterated drugs.
The call to action came after a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Rep. Tolani Shagaya (APC, Kwara), highlighted that the current legal framework is too lenient to deter offenders.
Lawmakers warned that the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs poses significant risks not only to public health but also to national security and economic stability.
In addition to stricter sentencing, the House recommended that the government bolster regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigerian Customs Service.
The lawmakers stressed the need for these agencies to receive adequate funding, modern equipment, and advanced technology to enhance surveillance and enforcement efforts.
Lawmakers also proposed the establishment of a special task force that would bring together security agencies, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary.
This task force would be tasked with fast-tracking investigations and prosecutions against counterfeit drug producers.
Furthermore, the House has directed its Committees on Health, Commerce, and Industry to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the prevalence of counterfeit products and to recommend further legislative measures to plug existing regulatory loopholes.
During the debate, Rep. Shagaya expressed his deep concern about the alarming increase in the production, importation, and distribution of fake drugs and other substandard products.
“Nigeria is facing an imminent threat with counterfeit products endangering public health and national security,” he said.
“Despite existing regulations, weak enforcement mechanisms and lenient penalties have emboldened offenders, making it imperative that we declare a national state of emergency to intensify our efforts.”
Shagaya pointed out that international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as NAFDAC, have repeatedly warned that Nigeria is one of the most affected countries globally by counterfeit medicines—leading to thousands of preventable deaths annually.
He also noted a recent NAFDAC raid at the Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦5 billion.
Highlighting the broader economic impact, Shagaya disclosed that the unchecked trade in fake and substandard goods costs Nigeria approximately ₦15 trillion annually, according to reports by SON.
He emphasized that the current penalties, which allow offenders to pay fines and secure bailable sentences, do little to deter criminal activities, ultimately undermining both consumer safety and investor confidence in Nigeria’s food and pharmaceutical sectors.
The House of Representatives now awaits the Attorney General’s review of the proposed legal amendments, as lawmakers push for urgent reforms to safeguard public health and secure the nation’s economic future.
