Lawmakers urge action on production, circulation of harmful drinks, drugs in Nigeria

*The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) findings have indicated that Nigeria is the largest market for fake and counterfeit drugs worldwide

Alexander Davis│ConsumerConnect

In view of the reported extensive cases of circulation of fake and adulterated products in the country, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to immediately stopped the production and circulation of unwholesome drinks and harmful drugs in Nigeria.

It was learnt the Federal legislators’ announcing was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Hon. Henry Nwawuba (Imo) at the House plenary Tuesday, June 29 in Abuja, FCT.

Nigerian House of Representatives in session

Nwawuba, while moving the motion, said that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) findings revealed that Nigeria is the largest market for fake and counterfeit drugs in the world.

About 70 percent of pharmaceutical products in the country were fake, the lawmaker stated, adding, that Nigerian youths now rely on energy drinks and drugs for energy to commit atrocities.

These, according to Nwawuba, include armed robbery, kidnappings, rape and killings among others, which had led to declining in their health status and destroyed their capacity to contribute to societal development.

He also expressed concern that the productive capacity of the youth, an asset of any nation, was destroyed at a time when the Federal Government was diversifying the Nigerian economy from oil to agriculture.

The effects of the fake and counterfeit drugs were worse in the country due to the poor health delivery system which had turned hospitals and healthcare centres into mere consulting centres.

The Nigerian House of Representatives urged the Federal Ministry of Health to intensify efforts at eradicating fake drinks and substandard drugs from the country.

The House also mandated the House Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure compliance.