NAFDAC Seeks Enactment of Stiffer Penalties Against, Drug, Food Counterfeiting

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja 

In view of the growing health risks posed by the consumption of fake and counterfeit drugs and food stuff in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged the National Assembly to expedite action on a bill to impose more penalties on offenders.

While reaffirming its commitment to eradicating the menace of counterfeit drugs and unwholesome products from the Nigerian market, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said that stiffer penalties, without an option of a fine, would discourage perpetrators from engaging in such illicit acts.

In a statement signed by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the DG vowed to reduce counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food to the barest minimum and make the illicit trade unattractive to the merchants of death.

She said the agency is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of drugs and food consumed by Nigerians.

In response to alleged poor enforcement against fake drug manufacturers and sellers of substandard food and beverages, Adeyeye said despite numerous life-threatening encounters and attacks on NAFDAC officers, they have not relented in their efforts to check the nefarious activities.

Adeyeye assured Nigerians that the agency remains undeterred in its mission to  safeguard their health. 

She urged citizens to assist by providing useful information on the activities of counterfeiters, emphasizing that: “They live and operate in our midst. We should say something when we see something.”

The DG called for the support of the 10th National Assembly to ensure the expedited review of penalties against counterfeiting.

She argued that stiff penalties, without an option of a fine, would discourage perpetrators from engaging in such illicit trades.

NAFDAC, having achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification and World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3, continues in its efforts to combat the scourge of substandard medicines. 

Adeyeye pledged that the agency would persist with sensitization activities across the country in the New Year.

She urged consumers to scrutinize branded drinks or drugs before consumption. 

The NAFDAC DG disclosed that officers from the Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Pharma-covigilance and Post Marketing Surveillance Directorates have been empowered to apprehend those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs and substandard food items.

She advised the public to adopt precautionary measures before purchasing drugs, food, drinks or alcohol.

“Buy only NAFDAC-registered  drug and food products from reputable and licensed pharmacies, retailers, bars and supermarkets.

“Be cautious of products sold significantly below normal prices or without proper taxes, as they might be fake. Inspect for poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes and unusual bottle shapes. 

“Check for the manufacturer’s contact information and address. Beware of unpleasant smells, as products smelling like paint stripper or nail polish remover may be unsafe,” she said.