HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES MOTION BY HON. NNAMDI EZECHI ON URGENT ACTION AGAINST FAKE AND EXPIRED DRUGS

The House of Representatives on the 18th of February, has unanimously passed a motion sponsored by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi on the urgent need for government intervention to combat the production and distribution of fake and expired drugs following the discovery of a counterfeit drug factory in Osisioma Ngwa LGA, Abia State.  

Hon. Ezechi, in his motion, highlighted the shocking revelation of an illegal factory engaged in the rebranding of expired drugs and the manufacturing of counterfeit medications, including injectables, which were being  distributed for public consumption. He warned that the circulation of such substandard pharmaceuticals poses a severe threat to public health, contributing to treatment failures, drug resistance, and preventable deaths.  

The lawmaker expressed grave concern that this incident is not isolated, as similar cases have been uncovered across the country, pointing to a widespread public health crisis. He emphasized the need for urgent and decisive action to strengthen regulatory enforcement, enhance surveillance, and implement stricter penalties against perpetrators of such criminal activities.  

In its resolutions, the House:  

1. Condemned in the strongest terms the criminal act of producing and distributing fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for uncovering the illegal operation in Osisioma Ngwa LGA.  

2. Urged the Federal Government to direct NAFDAC, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify nationwide surveillance, inspections, and enforcement actions against fake drug manufacturers and distributors.  

3. Mandated the House Committees on Health and Drugs & Narcotics to investigate the proliferation of fake drugs in Nigeria and work with stakeholders to strengthen policies against counterfeit pharmaceuticals.  

4. Called on NAFDAC to expand public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fake drugs and introduce advanced tracking and authentication systems to help consumers verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products before purchase.  

5. Urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with security agencies, to implement stricter penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.