Anastasia John E.
ABUJA – The Nigerian House of Representatives is calling for a drastic increase in penalties for those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs, including the death penalty. The House has urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to propose amendments to current laws to reflect this severity.
This move follows a motion of urgent public importance brought by Tolani Shagaya (APC, Kwara), who argued that existing penalties are simply not strong enough to deter offenders. Lawmakers expressed serious concern about the alarming rise in fake and adulterated drugs, food, and other products flooding the Nigerian market.
The House also called for stronger regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigerian Customs Service. They are demanding increased funding, modern equipment, and advanced technology to improve surveillance and enforcement. A special task force comprised of security agencies, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary was also recommended to expedite investigations and prosecutions.
Shagaya highlighted the devastating impact of counterfeit goods on public health, national security, and the economy. He cited warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and NAFDAC that Nigeria is a major hub for counterfeit medicines, contributing to countless preventable deaths. He also pointed to a recent NAFDAC raid in Aba, Abia State, where counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products worth over ₦5 billion were seized.
The economic cost of these fake products is also staggering. Shagaya noted that the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) estimates that Nigeria loses approximately ₦15 trillion annually due to counterfeit and substandard goods. He argued that these illicit activities not only endanger consumers but also discourage legitimate investment.
While acknowledging existing regulations, Shagaya criticized weak enforcement, corruption, and lenient penalties, which he said allow perpetrators to operate with impunity. He asserted that the current legal framework is insufficient and that a “national state of emergency” is needed to combat this crisis. The House Committees on Health, Commerce, and Industry have been tasked with investigating the issue and recommending further legislative action.
