The Director General (DG) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has restated the call for harsher punishments for those dealing in fake drugs, insisting that the death penalty should be introduced for offenders whose actions lead to the death of innocent people, particularly children.

The DG’s call for the death penalty underscores the growing urgency to curb the distribution of fake drugs, which continue to pose a grave threat to public health.

Speaking at a programme over the weekend, Adeyeye expressed deep concern over the activities of drug peddlers who prioritize financial gain over human lives.

She described them as “merchants of death” and argued that only severe consequences would serve as a deterrent to the growing menace of counterfeit medicines in the country.

She specifically pointed out cases where individuals importing dangerous drugs, such as highly potent doses of Tramadol, receive only minimal punishment.

“A person brings in a harmful drug capable of killing people, yet he gets a mere five-year sentence or a fine of N250,000.

“Who wouldn’t pay such a fine and go back to the same crime? This is why we need stricter measures,” she lamented.

Adeyeye noted that some lawmakers have pledged to work with NAFDAC in advocating for tougher penalties for drug peddlers.

While the agency remains committed to fighting the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines, she, however, acknowledged that their efforts are hampered by inadequate staffing and limited resources.

According to her, with only about 2,000 employees nationwide and roughly one staff member serving 119,000 Nigerians, NAFDAC faces significant challenges in enforcing regulations and cracking down on offenders.

“We are understaffed, and our funding is limited. I hope things will improve so we can strengthen our efforts,” she said.

The Nation reports that the House of Representatives had at plenary last Thursday asked the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi to propose amendments to existing laws on the production and circulation of fake drugs.

The House suggested the imposition of a strict sanction, including death penalty, on those who produce and circulate fake and adulterated drugs in the country.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Tolani Shagaya (APC, Kwara), the House said the current penalties imposed by law appeared too lenient.

The House urged the government to strengthen the capacity of regulatory agencies, particularly NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NIS) by providing adequate funding, modern equipment and advanced technology for effective surveillance, detection and enforcement.