The House of Representatives has called on the Attorney General of the Federation to introduce stricter penalties, including life imprisonment, for individuals involved in the production and importation of fake drugs in Nigeria.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by APC lawmaker Tolani Shagaya during Thursday’s plenary.
Shagaya raised concerns over the growing production and distribution of counterfeit drugs, food, and beverages in Nigeria, warning that this poses serious threats to public health, national security, and economic stability. He noted that both the World Health Organization and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have identified Nigeria as one of the worst-hit countries by fake medicines, leading to thousands of preventable deaths each year.
He further highlighted a recent raid at Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, where NAFDAC seized counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products worth over ₦5 billion, demonstrating the severity of the crisis. He also referenced a report by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), which estimated that Nigeria loses approximately ₦15 trillion annually due to counterfeit and substandard goods.
The House expressed concern that weak enforcement mechanisms, corruption, and inadequate penalties have emboldened perpetrators to continue their illegal activities with impunity. Lawmakers agreed that the current legal framework does not provide sufficient deterrence, as offenders often receive lenient fines and bailable sentences, allowing them to return to illicit trade.
In response, the House urged the Attorney General to propose amendments to existing laws to include life imprisonment for those involved in producing and importing fake drugs, as well as heavy fines for businesses dealing in counterfeit goods. It also called on the Federal Government to strengthen regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and the Nigerian Customs Service by equipping them with adequate funding, modern technology, and advanced surveillance tools for effective enforcement.
Additionally, the House recommended the creation of a special task force comprising security agencies, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary to fast-track investigations and prosecutions of individuals and businesses involved in counterfeiting.
The House also directed its Committees on Health, Commerce, and Industry to conduct a comprehensive probe into the prevalence of counterfeit products and propose legislative measures to address regulatory gaps.
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