Victor EzejaFounder of Chams Plc and SmartCity Plc, Sir Demola Aladekomo, has called on President Bola Tinubu and other national leaders to urgently address the proliferation of adulterated drugs, food items and drinks in Nigeria
Aladekomo lamented that the nationwide circulation of adulterated drugs, food items, and beverages in Nigeria has escalated to a national crisis. “This existential threat endangers lives, undermines public trust, and risks the health of future generations. It is time to declare a national emergency to address this alarming situation,” he warned.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe philanthropist and investor said he copied his memo to the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Health, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate; DG of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye; and Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria.
While citing a 2024 World Health Organisation report, which states that about 500,000 Nigerians die annually due to counterfeit and substandard drugs”, he expressed concerns that “The situation has reached a tipping point, threatening not just public health but the very fabric of our society.
Aladekomo highlighted the implications if no meaningful immediate action is taken.
According to him: “Generations will be endangered, with children being the most vulnerable due to exposure to substandard antibiotics and malaria drugs.
“The economy will suffer as trust in our health system and markets erodes, deterring investment. We must act now before the damage becomes irreversible.”
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He observed that “the situation has reached a point where suspicion clouds the essential purchases.”
“The danger covers adulterated and fake baby food formula, rice mixed with plastic granules, and even adulterated bread, which have become common fears for consumers of beverages (Both non-alcoholic (bottled water imitation, badly hit imitated brand name soft drinks and alcoholic bottled drinks are being tampered with on a large scale. Many people now avoid buying or drinking wines, whiskey or brandy entirely due to rampant adulteration.”
He lamented that drugs are increasingly being adulterated, “rendering them ineffective at best and deadly at worst.”
He pointed out that existing laws and penalties are not adequate and called for stricter laws and enforcement.
According to him, these include “mandatory prison sentences for counterfeiters, multi-million-naira fines proportional to the scale of harm caused and asset seizure to dismantle counterfeit operations completely”.
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He advocated the adoption of advanced technology in the fight against counterfeits.
He also suggested that NAFDAC should be given extraordinary powers to detect round up counterfeiters and prosecute them.
Other measures he recommended included mass public awareness campaigns, and a centralised national product database.
The tech expert and entrepreneur stressed that Nigerians should unite in the fight as it is not merely a task for the government alone.
“The proliferation of counterfeit and adulterated products is a national emergency demanding immediate action. By enacting severe punishments, leveraging technology, fostering public awareness and uniting stakeholders, we can safeguard lives and restore trust in our markets,” he stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
