...Urges the National Assembly to amend and strengthen the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act
The Amaka Nweke Foundation, a frontline non-governmental organization has raised the alarm over the worsening circulation of fake and substandard drugs across Nigeria, describing the trend as a serious threat to public health and national development.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Project Coordinator of the Foundation, Pastor Adaeze Nweke, the organization expressed deep concern over recent reports indicating that over 50 percent of drugs in circulation in the country are fake.
“This is not just a medical concern; it is a moral crisis,” Pastor Nweke stated. “The rise in fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria has claimed countless innocent lives, caused treatment failures, and undermined public trust in our healthcare system.”
She emphasized that the situation has become increasingly dangerous, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural and economically disadvantaged communities, who often lack access to proper medical guidance or quality-controlled pharmacies.
The Amaka Nweke Foundation called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant authorities to intensify surveillance, crack down on counterfeiters, and ensure stricter enforcement of existing pharmaceutical regulations.
“We can no longer treat this issue lightly. Stronger penalties, aggressive public awareness campaigns, and a total overhaul of our drug distribution systems are urgently needed,” she added.
Pastor Nweke also urged the National Assembly to amend and strengthen the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act, noting that existing laws have not proven sufficient in deterring those behind the criminal trade.
The Foundation revealed plans to launch a community-based sensitization campaign across Nigeria, aimed at educating the public on the dangers of fake drugs, how to identify suspicious medications, and the importance of buying from licensed outlets.
“The Amaka Nweke Foundation will continue to play its part in defending the lives and health of Nigerians. We call on civil society, media, and all stakeholders to stand with us in this life-saving advocacy,” Pastor Nweke concluded.
The Foundation’s statement comes on the heels of similar concerns raised by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), further amplifying calls for urgent, decisive action to rescue Nigeria’s drug market from the grip of counterfeiters.
The Amaka Nweke Foundation outlined a four-point action plan to tackle the crisis:
1. Mass Public Awareness Campaigns – Sensitizing communities across Nigeria on the dangers of fake drugs and how to identify them.
2. Stronger Collaboration with Health Agencies – Partnering with NAFDAC, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and community pharmacies for grassroots-level monitoring and advocacy.
3. Policy Advocacy – Pushing for legislation that imposes stricter penalties on individuals and cartels behind the distribution of counterfeit medications.
4. Support for Whistleblowers and Victims – Encouraging citizens to report suspicious drug sources and providing assistance to families affected by the consequences of fake drugs.
