The House of Representatives has condemned in the strongest terms the criminal act of producing and distributing fake drugs in Nigeria.
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They also commended the law enforcement agencies involved in uncovering the illegal operation in Osisioma Ngwa LGA Abia state, South East, Nigeria.
The House urged the Federal Government to immediately direct NAFDAC, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.
The lawmakers called on NAFDAC to increase public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fake drugs and introduce more advanced tracking and authentication systems to help consumers verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products before purchase.
The also urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with security agencies, to implement stricter penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the production and distribution of fake drugs, ensuring that culprits face the full weight of the law.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the
” Urgent Need For Government Intervention To Combat The Production And Distribution Of Fake And Expired Drugs Following The Discovery Of A Counterfeit Drug Factory In Osisioma Ngwa Lga, Abia State, moves by Mr. Nnamdi Ezechi, at plenary.
In his lead debate, Mr. Nnamdi Ezechi said that the House notes the recent shocking discovery of a warehouse and fake drug production factory in a village in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, where counterfeit and expired pharmaceutical products, including injectables, were being produced and distributed for public consumption.
” Also notes that the illegal factory was engaged in the rebranding of expired drugs by altering their expiry dates and manufacturing fake medications, which pose a grave danger to public health and safety.
” Further notes that the consumption of fake and substandard drugs can lead to severe health complications, drug resistance, treatment failures, and even loss of lives, thereby undermining the healthcare system in Nigeria.
” Concerned that this incident is not isolated, as similar cases of counterfeit drug manufacturing and distribution have been uncovered across the country, indicating a widespread public health crisis that requires immediate intervention.
” Worried that the circulation of fake and substandard drugs has contributed to the high mortality rate in Nigeria, with unsuspecting citizens consuming ineffective or harmful medications, which worsens illnesses and causes avoidable deaths.
” Cognizant that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant agencies are responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria, and that urgent measures must be taken to strengthen their enforcement mechanisms to prevent future occurrences”. The motion said.
The House thereafter mandate the House Committee on Health and the Committee on Drugs and Narcotics to investigate the proliferation of fake drugs in Nigeria and engage with stakeholders to develop stronger policies for combating counterfeit pharmaceutical production.
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