Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the Attorney General to propose life imprisonment for producers and importers of fake drugs

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian House of Representatives has called for harsher penalties, including life imprisonment, for individuals and businesses involved in the production and importation of fake drugs.

Also read: NDLEA Yobe seizes 537kg of drugs, arrests 46 suspects in 2024

This follows growing concerns over the dangers posed by counterfeit medicines, which have contributed to thousands of avoidable deaths annually.

The resolution was passed during Thursday’s plenary session after a motion of urgent public importance was presented by Tolani Shagaya, a lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shagaya highlighted the increasing prevalence of fake and substandard products in Nigeria, including pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages, warning of the severe risks to public health, national security, and economic stability.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the country is among the most affected by counterfeit medicines globally.

These substandard drugs contribute to preventable illnesses and deaths, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Shagaya further cited a recent operation by NAFDAC, which led to the seizure of counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products worth over ₦5 billion in Aba, Abia State.

He also referenced a report by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), which estimates that Nigeria loses approximately ₦15 trillion annually due to counterfeit and substandard goods.

“The unchecked spread of fake products not only endangers consumers but also discourages genuine investment in the food and pharmaceutical industries,” Shagaya stated.

The House expressed concerns that despite existing regulations, weak enforcement, corruption, and lenient penalties have allowed perpetrators to operate with impunity.

Lawmakers argued that the current legal framework lacks the necessary deterrents, as offenders often return to illegal activities after receiving bailable sentences or minimal fines.

To address the issue, the House urged the Attorney General of the Federation to propose amendments to existing laws, advocating for stricter penalties, including life imprisonment for those producing and importing counterfeit drugs.

Lawmakers also called for substantial fines on businesses found guilty of distributing fake products.

Beyond legal reforms, the House urged the Federal Government to bolster regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and the Nigerian Customs Service.

It recommended increased funding, advanced technology, and modern surveillance equipment to enhance detection and enforcement efforts.

Additionally, lawmakers proposed the establishment of a special task force comprising security agencies, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary.

This team would be responsible for fast-tracking investigations and prosecutions of individuals and businesses involved in counterfeiting.

The House further directed its Committees on Health, Commerce, and Industry to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the prevalence of counterfeit products in Nigeria and recommend legislative measures to strengthen regulations.