The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to sack corrupt operatives who allow the importation of fake and substandard drugs into the country......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
HURIWA emphasized that under the Second Schedule, Legislative Powers, Part 1, Exclusive Legislative List, Article 21, the regulation of drugs falls under the federal government’s jurisdiction.
As such, federal officials who facilitate the influx of substandard drugs must be identified, investigated, arrested, prosecuted, and punished according to due process.
The association further demanded that law enforcement agents who collude with fake drug importers should face life imprisonment without the possibility of early release, while manufacturers of counterfeit drugs should also receive life sentences if caught.
HURIWA urged NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, to enhance her personal security, remain vigilant about her food and drinks, and stay ahead of potential threats.
The group cited the attempted assassinations of former NAFDAC DG, the late Professor Dora Akunyili, who waged an aggressive war against fake drugs.
HURIWA noted that Akunyili’s husband was later mysteriously gunned down in Onitsha, the same location where she fought against counterfeit drug cartels.
According to HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, while NAFDAC’s recent operations are commendable, they will remain an annual ritual unless corrupt officers at Nigeria’s seaports and airports are identified, dismissed, prosecuted, and jailed.
He specifically accused officials of NAFDAC, Customs, and the Police of conspiring with importers from countries such as India and China to facilitate the inflow of fake drugs.
“These corrupt officers are sabotaging Nigeria’s economy and exposing millions to deadly substances disguised as medication. Until they are held accountable, fake drugs will continue to flood our markets,” he warned.
Recall the NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, recently disclosed that the agency has Closed over 4,000 shops in Onitsha
Shut down 3,027 shops in Lagos
Sealed 3,000 shops in Aba
She explained that these three markets serve as distribution hubs for over 80% of medications in Nigeria and that the enforcement actions were planned for over a year through covert operations.
NAFDAC launched nationwide raids on February 10, targeting:
Idumota Open Drug Market, Lagos
Ariaria Drug Market, Aba
Bridge Market, Onitsha
Despite these efforts, HURIWA expressed disappointment that top regulators in NAFDAC, Customs, and the Police deployed at Nigeria’s ports have not been held accountable.
The group warned that unless a radical internal cleansing occurs within these agencies, more counterfeit drugs will continue to enter Nigeria’s markets, even after the confiscated ones are destroyed.
“The importation of fake drugs is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Until the federal government identifies, investigates, and prosecutes corrupt officials stationed at our seaports and airports, counterfeit drugs will keep flooding Nigeria.”
HURIWA also backed Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s concerns about the continued influx of banned substances into Nigeria, questioning why federal agencies have failed to block them.
Governor Soludo described the recent discoveries by federal regulators as ‘shocking and disturbing’ during his visit to Ọgbọ Ogwu market in Onitsha.
The group called for massive internal reforms within NAFDAC, Customs, and the Police.
“Immediate investigation and dismissal of corrupt port officials, and stronger regulatory oversight to prevent fake drugs from entering Nigeria.”
The group stressed that fake medications are responsible for the rising cases of kidney failure and other life-threatening illnesses in the country.
“This is a matter of life and death. The government must act decisively to protect Nigerians from this ongoing health crisis.”