The Senate has passed for second reading a bill proposing tougher penalties for people involved in the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit medicines and unsafe processed foods.
If passed into law, the proposed legislation will impose up to 15 years’ imprisonment, asset forfeiture, heavy fines and compensation for victims of fake drug-related offences. It will also strengthen the enforcement powers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Bill Seeks Stronger Penalties
The proposed Counterfeit Medical Products, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Prohibition and Control) Bill, 2026, was sponsored by Senator Umar Suleiman, who represents Kwara North.
According to the lawmaker, the current law no longer addresses the growing sophistication of counterfeit drug syndicates. He said the bill will replace the existing legislation with a stronger legal framework capable of tackling online drug sales, cross-border trafficking and organised criminal networks.
“This bill criminalises the production, importation, manufacture, transportation, distribution, sale, possession and facilitation of counterfeit medical products, fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods.”
Drug Hawking, Online Sales Also Targeted
The bill also prohibits the sale and hawking of medicines in unauthorised locations, including open markets, motor parks, roadside stalls, buses, ferries and unlicensed online platforms.
Furthermore, it outlaws the production and possession of counterfeit labels, wrappers, packaging materials and equipment used to manufacture fake products.
NAFDAC to Get More Enforcement Powers
To improve enforcement, the legislation empowers NAFDAC to deploy modern product-tracking technology and establish national and state enforcement task forces.
The agency will also gain wider powers to inspect facilities, seize counterfeit products, arrest suspects, seal offending premises and strengthen surveillance at Nigeria’s ports of entry. In addition, the bill grants the Federal High Court exclusive jurisdiction over offences arising from the proposed law and provides for accelerated trials.
Senate President Backs Proposal
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed the bill and assured lawmakers that concerns about its relationship with the existing NAFDAC Act would receive attention during the committee stage.
Meanwhile, the Senate referred the bill for further legislative work after it secured overwhelming support during the second reading. If eventually passed and signed into law, it will introduce one of Nigeria’s toughest legal frameworks against counterfeit medicines and unsafe food products.
