The House of Representatives has called for stricter penalties, including life imprisonment, for individuals involved in the production and importation of fake drugs in Nigeria.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Tolani Shagaya during plenary on Thursday. The House also urged the Attorney General of the Federation to propose amendments to existing laws to impose harsher punishments.
Additionally, lawmakers called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on the distribution and sale of fake, substandard, and expired drugs and food products.
While presenting the motion, Hon. Shagaya expressed concern over the alarming rise in the circulation of counterfeit goods, warning that the current legal framework does not provide enough deterrence. He noted that offenders often return to the illicit trade due to lenient fines and bailable sentences.
“A national state of emergency is necessary to intensify enforcement efforts, strengthen regulatory institutions, and impose stricter sanctions on perpetrators,” he stated.
The House adopted the motion and urged the federal government to strengthen regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigeria Customs Service by providing them with adequate funding, modern equipment, and advanced technology for effective surveillance and enforcement.