By Niyi Jacobs
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its efforts to eradicate counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, conducting extensive raids across major markets and advocating for stricter legal penalties for offenders.
In a series of enforcement operations, NAFDAC targeted prominent open drug markets, including Ariaria and Eziukwu in Aba, Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, and Idumota Drug Market in Lagos. These raids led to the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, unregistered, falsified, and substandard medical products from over 7,000 shops. The agency reported that more than 40 suspects have been arrested, with prosecutions forthcoming.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the quantity of seized narcotics and controlled substances was substantial enough to pose significant security risks nationwide. She emphasized that the proliferation of fake drugs contributes to the country’s prevailing insecurity.
In response to these alarming findings, NAFDAC is urging the National Assembly to expedite amendments to existing laws, proposing life sentences and even the death penalty for those convicted of producing or distributing counterfeit drugs. Prof. Adeyeye stressed that such stringent measures are necessary, given the daily fatalities linked to the consumption of fake medications and unwholesome processed foods.
The agency’s actions have garnered support from various quarters. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) commended NAFDAC’s crackdown, acknowledging the threat that counterfeit drugs pose to public health, particularly among the youth. NANS spokesperson, Samson Adeyemi, emphasized the importance of eradicating fake drugs to protect students and the broader Nigerian populace.
These concerted efforts underscore NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only safe and authentic medications are accessible in the Nigerian market.
