Senate moves to tackle fake drugs, suggests 15-year jail term for offenders

The Senate on Wednesday moved forward with a bill aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s laws against fake medical products, counterfeit drugs, and unhealthy processed foods.

Sadiq Suleiman (APC-Kwara North) led the discussion. He explained that the bill aims to replace the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act from 2004.

Mr Suleiman said the new bill will also ban using harmful substances to speed up fruit ripening. It will also change penalties for selling drugs, poisons, and other food items without proper licenses.

He emphasized that the bill will create a better legal framework to control counterfeit medical products, fake drugs, and unhealthy processed foods.

Mr Suleiman stated that every Nigerian should have access to safe and effective medicines. He pointed out that criminal groups are making money from counterfeit products, harming innocent people.

He added that fake medicines lead to infant deaths, treatment failures, drug resistance, worsening chronic diseases, and loss of trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The lawmaker mentioned that bad cosmetics, dirty packaged water, and unhealthy processed foods are putting millions of Nigerians at risk of diseases, disabilities, and preventable deaths.

He praised the work of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, along with other partners.

But Mr Suleiman noted that criminal groups have become more advanced. This makes it necessary to update laws and improve enforcement against fake products.

He said the bill will also ban selling medicines in open markets, motor parks, roadside stalls, unlicensed areas, and illegal online shops.

Offenders could face up to 15 years in prison, heavy fines, and required compensation if counterfeit products lead to death or serious injuries.

Mr Suleiman explained that the bill allows courts to seize assets, close illegal businesses, and speed up trials using electronic evidence.

He also wants to keep NAFDAC as the main enforcement body while creating national and state task forces to share information and work together.

“Counterfeit medicines are silent weapons of mass destruction. They destroy lives, weaken healthcare, and damage public trust in real pharmaceutical products,” he said.

Samson Ekong (APC-Akwa Ibom South) added that the bill is timely. He noted that people harmed by fake medicines often end up enriching casket makers through preventable deaths.

“Health is wealth. The Senate must send a clear message that these abuses must stop and proper penalties must be enforced,” Mr Ekong said.

Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) said fake drugs are common in both cities and rural areas, causing kidney diseases and other organ failures.

“We are all potential victims of fake drugs. This law deserves every senator's support because it affects every Nigerian family,” he added.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin supported the bill but urged lawmakers to link it clearly with the NAFDAC Act to avoid overlapping responsibilities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate then passed the bill for a second reading through a voice vote.

After discussions, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sent the bill to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for public hearing.