Nigeria is plagued by merchants of death, including bandits, kidnappers, ritual killers, and producers of fake and substandard goods. These criminals deserve severe punishment, including life imprisonment.
The recent crackdown by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on counterfeit and expired drugs highlights the grave danger they pose. Over six weeks, NAFDAC seized and destroyed over 100 truckloads of falsified medicines from markets in Lagos, Anambra, and Abia states. The agency warned that these drugs could reduce Nigerians’ quality of life, fuel crime, and even destabilize the government.
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) President, Tanko Ayuba, noted that counterfeit drugs contribute to antimicrobial resistance and rising deaths from diseases like malaria and tuberculosis. Nigeria’s weak enforcement, corruption, and porous borders allow the influx of fake drugs from China, India, and neighboring countries. Under the current law, offenders face a mere N500,000 fine or five years imprisonment—far too lenient compared to China’s death penalty or the U.S. life sentence for drug counterfeiting.
Stronger penalties, including at least 20 years imprisonment and asset forfeiture, are necessary. Arresting and prosecuting offenders is crucial to curbing this menace. The National Assembly must amend existing laws, while regulatory bodies should enforce stricter oversight. Public awareness campaigns, better funding for NAFDAC, and improved drug authentication measures like Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) are essential.
Nigeria must act now to protect its citizens from these deadly crimes. A stitch in time saves nine!
