The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and other relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, inspections, and enforcement against counterfeit drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.
This resolution followed a motion by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who highlighted the discovery of an illegal drug factory in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State. The facility was found to be altering expiry dates on expired drugs and manufacturing fake medications, posing a severe threat to public health.
The House condemned the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs while commending law enforcement agencies for uncovering the illegal operation. Hon. Ezechi expressed deep concern over the impact of fake drugs on public health, noting that they have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate. Unsuspecting citizens consuming ineffective or harmful medications often experience worsened illnesses and preventable deaths.
The lawmakers emphasized the need for stricter measures to combat the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, safeguard public health, and hold perpetrators accountable.
