News
JUST IN: House of Reps demands urgent crackdown on fake drug syndicates
The House of Representatives has called for a more aggressive crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit and expired drugs in Nigeria, following the recent discovery of an illegal drug manufacturing facility in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.
The resolution was moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who raised alarms over the growing issue of fake pharmaceuticals during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ezechi revealed that the illegal factory, located in a remote village, was involved in rebranding expired drugs by altering their expiry dates and producing counterfeit medications, including injectables, which were being distributed to unsuspecting Nigerians.
“The consumption of fake and substandard drugs poses severe health risks, including treatment failures, drug resistance, and even death,” Ezechi stated.
He warned that such criminal activities undermine Nigeria’s healthcare system and put millions at risk.
The House expressed deep concern that the Osisioma Ngwa incident was not an isolated case but part of a broader public health crisis, as similar counterfeit drug operations have been uncovered across the country.
The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.
The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation.
It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.
The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.
The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation.
It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Health and Drugs and Narcotics to investigate the widespread issue of counterfeit drugs in the country.
It also called for increased public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fake drugs and the introduction of advanced tracking and authentication systems to help consumers verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products before purchase.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with security agencies, to implement stricter penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the illegal drug trade, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.
News
Fayose Meets Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Holds Closed-Door Talks at OOPL
The meeting has, however, sparked political speculation, coming at a time when discussions around the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and national reconciliation efforts are gaining momentum.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Sunday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo behind closed doors at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Fayose, who arrived at the OOPL complex was received by aides of the former president before proceeding to Obasanjo’s private where the meeting was held.
Although details of their discussions were not made public, sources close to the meeting described it as “a private visit” that lasted for over an hour.
The former Ekiti governor, known for his outspoken political style and criticism of national leaders, has in recent times called for unity among southern political actors ahead of future political realignments.
The meeting has, however, sparked political speculation, coming at a time when discussions around the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and national reconciliation efforts are gaining momentum.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has sealed a construction site and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to another property within the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor for engaging in unauthorised development.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the agency said its officials sealed a building under construction at Femi Okunnu Road, Alexander Avenue, after the developers failed to obtain the necessary building permits.
LASBCA stressed that strict adherence to building regulations remains essential to curb the rise of illegal structures and ensure safety and orderly urban development across Lagos.
The agency also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to QMB Mart to dismantle all illegal structures erected on Coastal Road and under the powerline.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun, the space in question was originally designated as a parking lot but had been converted into a commercial complex without proper approvals.
“The occupants allegedly turned the area into a commercial hub, erecting a laundromat, clubhouse, and eatery without authorisation,” Abiodun said. “Development in Lagos must follow due process. Any structure built without approval or any change in the use of government-allocated spaces without consent is illegal. We are committed to upholding the state’s master plan.”
The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbaye Florence, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement across all development zones.
“Our duty is to ensure that all buildings in Lagos meet safety and regulatory standards,” she stated. “Anyone who erects structures without approval will be identified, marked, and subjected to necessary enforcement actions.”
LASBCA added that the ongoing enforcement drive will continue across the state as part of efforts to eliminate illegal constructions and promote a safer, well-planned Lagos.
Islamic groups in Kano State are currently protesting against recent moves by United States President, Donald Trump, to intervene in the country’s security crisis.
The protesters trooped out on Saturday to counter Trump’s claim of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
They were seen displaying placards with different inscriptions such as ‘We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria’, ‘There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria’, ‘America wants to control our resources’, amongst others.
Islamic groups in Kano State are currently protesting against recent moves by United States President, Donald Trump, to intervene in the country’s security crisis.
The protesters trooped out on Saturday to counter Trump’s claim of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
They were seen displaying placards with different inscriptions such as ‘We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria’, ‘There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria’, ‘America wants to control our resources’, amongst others.
Ohibaba recalls that Trump recently designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ over the alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
The US President subsequently threatened that if the Nigerian government fails to address the killing of Christians, the American military will intervene.
The Nigerian government has since denied the alleged Christian genocide, describing it as false.
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