Victor EzejaDeath penalty has been proposed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for people found guilty of peddling fake drugs in Nigeria.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who lamented the increasing trafficking of counterfeit medicines across the country and the impact on human health, said that only severe punishments could deter fake drug dealers from such heinous acts.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelProf. Adeyeye, who appeared on Channels Television on Friday, expressed concerns that such practice has led to death of people, especially children.
While pointing out that the country’s laws have no stringent provisions to stop offenders from a gaging in sales of fake and substandard drugs, the NAFDAC DG also urged the National Assembly and the judiciary to work together on putting the plan into action, saying the agency is willing to cooperate with legislators and other interested parties.
“Our judicial system must be strong enough. We are working with the National Assembly to make our penalties much harsher. If you kill a child with counterfeit medicine, you deserve to die,” Adeyeye stated.
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Because of the low fines and bailable sentences, the House emphasised that the current legal system is insufficient to dissuade offenders, who frequently return to the illegal activity. These kinds of gaps allow them to carry on with impunity.
Prime Business Africa reports that in an effort to address the issue, the House of Representatives last Thursday pushed for harsher penalties, such as life imprisonment.
The House emphasised that because of the current legal system’s lax penalties and bailable sentences, criminals frequently return to the illegal trade. They can continue to operate with impunity because of these loopholes.
The lawmakers then urged the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to suggest amendments to the current legislation. These revisions will impose heavy fines on companies found guilty of trading in counterfeit goods, as well as life imprisonment for individuals engaged in the production and importation of counterfeit medications.
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.
