The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Friday praised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for intensifying its crackdown on fake and substandard drugs across the country.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also described counterfeit medicines as a silent killer that has claimed countless lives and weakened public trust in the health system.
She made the remarks during the 2026 Budget Defence session of Ministries, Departments and Agencies under the Senate Committee on Health, where lawmakers examined allocations, implementation records and performance benchmarks in the health sector.
NAFDAC has, in recent months, scaled up enforcement operations across open drug markets, pharmacies and entry points, leading to the interception and seizure of large consignments of counterfeit and substandard medicines believed to pose serious risks to public health.
Speaking at the session, the senator praised the Director-General of NAFDAC for what she described as “exceptional diligence and courage” in confronting the long-standing menace of fake drugs nationwide.
She said, “I want to specially commend the Director-General of NAFDAC and her team for their unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerians from fake and dangerous drugs.
“The interception of these counterfeit products is not just an enforcement success; it is a lifesaving intervention that reinforces public confidence in our healthcare system.”
The lawmaker noted that the widespread circulation of fake and substandard medicines remains a major public health challenge, contributing to treatment failures, avoidable deaths and erosion of trust in medical institutions.
“Fake drugs kill silently and erode trust in our health institutions. What NAFDAC is doing is restoring that trust and sending a strong message that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for counterfeiters,” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also called for sustained legislative backing and adequate budgetary support for the agency to strengthen its operations, stressing the need for improved surveillance systems, modern laboratory infrastructure and tougher enforcement at borders and local markets.
“As legislators, we must ensure that NAFDAC is adequately funded and empowered. Supporting this agency is supporting the health, safety, and dignity of Nigerians,” she stated.
The Senate Committee on Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight of health-related MDAs and ensuring they are adequately resourced to deliver on their mandates, particularly in the fight against fake and substandard medical products.
