Reps Urge Emergency Declaration to Tackle Fake Products Crisis

On Thursday, the House of Representatives called on the federal government to declare an emergency over the growing issue of counterfeit goods and substandard drugs. The lawmakers urged immediate action to curb the alarming proliferation of these dangerous products.

The Representatives specifically recommended that the government boost the capabilities of regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigerian Customs Service. This could be achieved through increased funding and the provision of modern equipment to improve their ability to monitor, detect, and enforce regulations.

Additionally, the lawmakers suggested the formation of a special task force, composed of security agencies, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary, to expedite investigations and legal actions against those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit products.

They also urged the Attorney General of the Federation to amend existing laws to introduce stricter penalties for offenders, including life imprisonment for those responsible for producing or importing fake drugs and heavy fines for businesses dealing in counterfeit goods.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Muktar Shagaya, representing Ilorin West/Asa federal constituency of Kwara State.

During the motion, Shagaya highlighted the alarming surge in the production, importation, and distribution of fake and substandard goods, food, and drugs across Nigeria. He noted that this trend poses significant threats to public health, national security, and the economy.

Shagaya referenced warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and NAFDAC, which have repeatedly cited Nigeria as one of the most affected countries, with counterfeit drugs contributing to thousands of avoidable deaths annually.

The lawmaker pointed to a recent raid in Aba, Abia State, where NAFDAC seized counterfeit pharmaceutical and food products worth over N5 billion, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue.

Shagaya also highlighted the staggering economic impact, with Nigeria reportedly losing around N15 trillion each year due to counterfeit goods, according to SON. He stressed that the unchecked rise of fake products not only jeopardizes public safety but also discourages legitimate investment in Nigeria’s food and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Despite existing regulations, weak enforcement, corruption, and the lack of severe penalties have emboldened offenders, allowing them to continue to harm public health,” he said. “The current legal framework does not deter these criminals, as many face only minimal fines or bailable sentences and return to the illicit trade with ease.”

Shagaya argued that declaring a national emergency was crucial to enhance enforcement efforts, fortify regulatory bodies, and introduce tougher penalties for those involved in counterfeiting.

In adopting the motion, the House instructed its relevant committees to investigate the widespread issue of counterfeit products and propose legislative measures to address any gaps in the regulatory framework to ensure better compliance.