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.

No fewer than two persons have been killed after suspected political thugs wielding machetes and other dangerous weapons invaded Local Government Secretariats in Osun State.

The incident occurred on Monday, February 17, 2025.

This is coming barely a few days to Saturday’s local government election in Osun State.

It was gathered that the incident was not unconnected with the violence that trailed an attempt by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take over the secretariat.

The move was, however, resisted. Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Yemisi Opalola, said police operatives had been deployed to local government secretariats across the state to maintain law and order.  

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed all Osun residents, including politicians across all political divides, to stay away from the local government secretariats to protect public properties and avoid further bloodshed.

Adeleke gave the directive via a statement on Monday.

The governor stated: “This has become necessary, especially as the council secretariats are expected to be under lock and key, due to the withdrawal of service, announced by workers of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) across the state. “I equally condole families of victims of the APC illegal takeover bid and chaos unleashed across the state by the APC and their hired thugs.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost five members with several others wounded. Two of those members are from Iragbiji, Boripe local government.

Another two were killed at Ola Oluwa Local government. Another one was lost at Ikire. We must stop further bloodshed.

“I have directed security agencies to take charge of all local government secretariats and I hereby assure residents of Osun of their safety and protection of lives and properties.”

Lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly have passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

The passing of the vote comes amid ongoing disagreement between the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigerian Police Force over the sealing of their offices.

Recall that the Police Force alongside the Department of State Security, DSS, stormed the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly, in the early hours of today Monday, February 17, sealing up the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, her deputy and clerk of the house.

As of 10 am, armed security personnel have taken over the premises at Alausa, Ikeja, and the environs frisking every passerby.Meranda, however, arrived with her convoy at about 11.15am.

The embattled, former Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, has sued the state lawmakers challenging his removal as the Speaker of the Assembly.

The sealing of the offices comes after Obasa had filed a motion at the Ikeja Division of the State High Court, where he is seeking an accelerated hearing of his suit.