The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, on Thursday, backed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration’s call for stricter penalties against perpetrators of drug counterfeiting, emphasising the devastating impact of fake and substandard drugs on public health.
The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba also called for urgent reforms to tackle the proliferation of counterfeit drugs and unregulated drug markets across the country.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos on the forthcoming PSN president’s inauguration and investiture of 145 new PSN Fellows billed to hold on 28th February 2025, the PSN President emphasised the critical role of stricter enforcement, collaborative efforts, and public education in safeguarding the health of Nigerians.
“Our research shows that the prevalence of fake drugs has escalated to alarming levels, with over 50 per cent of medications in circulation being counterfeit or substandard. This is a direct threat to the lives of millions of Nigerians and undermines the credibility of our healthcare system,” he stated.
He lamented the tragic consequences of counterfeit drugs, including therapeutic failures, fatalities, and a loss of trust in the healthcare system.
The President called on the National Assembly to revisit and strengthen the provisions of the Fake Drug Act, advocating for more severe penalties to deter offenders.
“Drug counterfeiting is not just a crime against individuals; it is a crime against humanity. We need legislation that reflects the gravity of this offense, with stricter enforcement mechanisms to protect our citizens,” he asserted.
“The unchecked sale of counterfeit drugs in open drug markets has resulted in severe health crises, including kidney and liver damage. “These fake and substandard products, often sold at suspiciously low prices, pose life-threatening risks to consumers.”
The President also commended recent efforts by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAFDAC, such as the closure of unregulated drug markets like Sabogeri.
He stressed the importance of sustaining these collaborations to address the over five million unregistered drug outlets across Nigeria.
“Increasing penalties for drug fakers, coupled with the establishment of well-regulated Coordinated Wholesale Centres, will significantly curb the proliferation of fake drugs and ensure better access to safe and effective medications.
“Stronger penalties, effective enforcement, and continuous public awareness are the keys to achieving a safer pharmaceutical landscape in Nigeria,” he said.
“We are working tirelessly to engage the highest authorities and have received assurances that these issues will be addressed. However, it is critical to sustain momentum and ensure that offenders face penalties commensurate with the harm they cause,” he said.
He commended NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) for their recent efforts, including the closure of unregulated markets. He stressed that such actions must be consistent and backed by stronger legal frameworks.
The PSN President stressed the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, government agencies, and stakeholders in combating the challenges of fake drugs and unregulated markets. “Healthcare is a teamwork effort, and pharmacists play an indispensable role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. Unfortunately, some professionals in the health sector assume superiority, disrupting the concept of teamwork,” he noted.
He also addressed the issue of patient medicine shops, emphasising their intended role in rural areas and the need for stricter monitoring to prevent abuse.
“Patient medicine shops should serve as a last resort where no pharmacies exist. They must adhere to regulations, stocking only approved drugs and selling them in their original containers,” he explained.
On departure of pharmaceutical giants like GSK and Sanofi from Nigeria was also addressed. The President acknowledged the economic pressures driving such exits, noting that scarcity of genuine products often fuels the market for counterfeits.
He appealed to consumers to prioritise safety over cost, encouraging them to purchase medications from licensed pharmacies.
“Drugs are not commodities like sugar or tomatoes. They are inherently potent substances, and only pharmacists are trained, licensed, and equipped to handle them safely,” he emphasised.
He further announced that all was set for the inauguration of the new PSN President and the Investiture of 145 new PSN Fellows in Abuja.
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