The Senate has advanced legislation seeking tougher penalties against the production and distribution of fake drugs and unsafe food, in a renewed push to safeguard public health. The bill, which scaled second reading on Wednesday, proposes stiffer fines, longer jail terms and stricter regulatory oversight for offenders.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the persistent circulation of substandard and counterfeit products, describing it as a major threat to lives and the healthcare system. Sponsors of the bill argued that existing penalties were too weak to deter offenders, allowing illicit trade to thrive.
The proposed reforms aim to empower regulatory agencies with enhanced enforcement powers, including the authority to shut down facilities linked to unsafe practices and prosecute offenders more effectively. It also seeks to improve collaboration among agencies responsible for monitoring food and drug safety.
Health experts have long warned that counterfeit medicines contribute to treatment failures, drug resistance and preventable deaths. Unsafe food practices, they added, expose consumers to serious health risks, including poisoning and long-term illnesses.
If passed, the bill is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s regulatory framework and align it with global standards. Lawmakers said public awareness campaigns would also be critical in tackling the problem, urging citizens to report suspicious products.
The Senate’s move comes amid growing calls for stricter enforcement and accountability within the pharmaceutical and food sectors, as authorities intensify efforts to protect consumers.

