From Doris Obinna
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has raised concerns over the alarming prevalence of counterfeit and substandard drugs in the country, warning that more than half of the medications in circulation may be fake.
Its President, Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, called for stricter penalties for those involved in the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit drugs, emphasising the severe health risks they pose, including liver and kidney damage.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos ahead of the inauguration and the investiture of 145 new association Fellows, holding tomorrow, he stressed the urgent need for stronger legislation and enforcement to address the growing menace:
“Counterfeit drugs have led to therapeutic failures, fatalities and a loss of trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system. The National Assembly should strengthen the provisions of the Fake Drug Act. Tougher penalties will serve as a deterrent.
“Open sale of fake drugs in unregulated markets continues to endanger the lives of Nigerians, as many consumers are unknowingly lured by low prices into purchasing substandard and potentially harmful medications.”
Ayuba commended recent enforcement actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), including the closure of unregulated drug markets such as Sabogeri and Onitsha Bridge Market.
However, he noted that these efforts must be sustained, given the estimated five million unregistered drug outlets still operating across the country. He proposed the establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres to ensure a more controlled and transparent distribution of medications.
Ayuba also emphasized the need for continuous public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of counterfeit drugs. He highlighted the critical role of pharmacists in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications but expressed concern that a lack of collaboration among healthcare professionals hinders the fight against fake drugs.
He urged for tighter monitoring of patient medicine shops, particularly in rural areas, to prevent the sale of unapproved drugs and ensure that medications remain in their original packaging.
Addressing the recent exit of global pharmaceutical giants such as GSK and Sanofi from the Nigerian market, Ayuba acknowledged the economic challenges influencing their decisions. He warned that their departure could further complicate access to quality medications, making it even more critical to regulate the drug supply chain effectively.
He reaffirmed PSN’s commitment to working with government agencies, lawmakers, and healthcare professionals to protect Nigerians from the dangers of counterfeit drugs and called for swift legislative action to ensure that those profiting from the illicit drug trade face serious legal consequences.
As Nigeria continues to battle the growing threat of counterfeit drugs, the call for stricter penalties and better regulation has never been more urgent. With millions of lives at risk, stakeholders are now looking to the government to take decisive action and implement stronger measures to safeguard public health.
