Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives has called for stricter sanctions, including life imprisonment, for individuals and entities involved in producing and importing fake drugs. This move aims to address the devastating impact of counterfeit drugs on public health, which has led to countless avoidable deaths and suffering.
Hon. Tolani Shagaya, who presented the motion, emphasized that the current penalties are grossly inadequate and that the circulation of fake and substandard drugs is not just a criminal act but an assault on public health and safety. He cited reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), highlighting that Nigeria is one of the worst-affected countries by counterfeit medicines.
The House resolved to call on the Attorney General of the Federation to propose amendments to existing laws, advocating for harsher penalties, including:
– *Life imprisonment* for individuals involved in the production and importation of fake drugs
– *Hefty fines* for businesses found guilty of trading in counterfeit goods
Additionally, the House urged the government to:
– *Enhance regulatory agencies* like NAFDAC, SON, and the Nigerian Customs Service with adequate funding, modern equipment, and advanced technology
– *Establish a special task force* to expedite investigations and prosecutions of individuals and businesses engaged in counterfeiting
– *Conduct a thorough investigation* into the rising prevalence of counterfeit products and recommend legislative measures to address regulatory loopholes ¹.
