The House of Representatives has called on the Attorney General of the Federation to propose more severe sanctions, including life imprisonment, for producers and importers of counterfeit drugs into Nigeria.
This resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Tolani Shagaya, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during Thursday’s, February 6, plenary.
Shagaya, while highlighting the gravity of the motion, expressed deep concern over the growing issue of fake and substandard products flooding the Nigerian market.
He warned that this trend, affecting goods, drugs, food, and beverages, is a serious threat to public health, national security, and economic stability.
“The World Health Organisation and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have repeatedly cautioned that Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by counterfeit medicines, resulting in thousands of avoidable deaths annually,” Shagaya said.
He went on to cite a recent NAFDAC operation in Aba, Abia State, where counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products worth over ₦5 billion were seized, underscoring the widespread nature of this problem.
Shagaya also pointed out the staggering economic impact of counterfeit goods, with losses estimated at ₦15 trillion annually, according to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
The unchecked proliferation of substandard products, he added, not only puts consumer safety at risk but also deters genuine investment in critical sectors like food and pharmaceuticals.
The lawmaker further noted that despite existing regulations, weak enforcement mechanisms, corruption, and lenient penalties have allowed offenders to continue their illicit activities without fear of significant consequences.
“The House recognises that the current legal framework does not provide sufficient deterrence,” Shagaya said, highlighting that offenders often return to the counterfeit trade due to relatively mild fines and bailable sentences, enabling them to operate with impunity.
In response to these concerns, the House has urged the Attorney General of the Federation to propose amendments to existing laws that would impose stricter penalties.
These include life imprisonment for those involved in the production and importation of fake drugs and heavy fines for businesses found guilty of dealing in counterfeit goods.
Additionally, lawmakers called on the Federal Government to strengthen the capabilities of regulatory agencies, such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigerian Customs Service, through increased funding, modern equipment, and advanced technology for better detection, surveillance, and enforcement.
The House also recommended the establishment of a special task force comprising security agencies, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary to expedite investigations and prosecutions related to counterfeiting activities.
Lastly, the House directed its Committees on Health, Commerce, and Industry to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the prevalence of counterfeit products and propose legislative measures to address existing regulatory gaps.
This latest push by the House of Representatives reflects a growing recognition of the devastating impact of counterfeit goods and medicines on Nigeria’s public health and economy, and a desire to hold perpetrators accountable with more stringent legal consequences.
