Fake Drugs Everywhere, Who is Watching? — NANS Demands Tinubu’s Intervention over Alleged NAFDAC Failure

By Ukpa Ewa

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised the alarm over what it described as the unchecked circulation of suspected fake drugs, adulterated food and other potentially harmful products across Nigeria, accusing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of failing in its regulatory responsibilities.

NANS, through its Senate President, Dist. Senator Ibeabuchi Moses Onyia, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene, warning that the alleged regulatory lapses pose a serious threat to public health and the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians.

In a strongly worded press statement, the students’ body questioned the effectiveness of existing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, particularly as suspected counterfeit and adulterated products continue to surface in markets, along roadsides and on online platforms.

“NAFDAC has failed Nigerians in its responsibility to effectively curb the circulation of fake drugs, adulterated food and harmful consumables,” NANS alleged.

The association expressed particular concern over reports involving suspected counterfeit toothpaste, adulterated palm oil, artificially enhanced fruits, fake soy sauce, olive oil and yoghurt products.

According to NANS, the alleged proliferation of such products raises serious questions about the capacity of regulatory authorities to detect, remove and prevent the distribution of unsafe goods before they reach consumers.

Online platforms under scrutiny

NANS also turned its attention to the growing use of social media and e-commerce platforms for the sale of medicines, supplements, cosmetics and food products.

The students alleged that some online vendors operate without the necessary regulatory approvals or adequate verification, creating what they described as a dangerous loophole for the distribution of potentially unsafe products.

The association warned that unsuspecting Nigerians, including students and other vulnerable consumers, could easily purchase and consume products without knowing whether they meet approved safety and quality standards.

“The unchecked availability of unverified products puts unsuspecting consumers at serious risk and raises concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight,” the association said.

Osinbajo account raises fresh concerns

NANS also referenced a recent account attributed to former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, concerning laboratory findings involving freshly squeezed orange juice reportedly consumed by his wife.

The students said the reported findings, which they claimed indicated that the juice was unfit for human consumption, should prompt renewed scrutiny of food-safety standards and enforcement mechanisms across the country.

NANS argued that such reports highlight the need for stronger surveillance, more frequent inspections and tougher enforcement against individuals and businesses involved in the production or distribution of unsafe food and drugs.

‘Consequences could be devastating’

The students’ body warned that the dangers associated with counterfeit medicines and adulterated consumables extend beyond temporary illness.

According to NANS, exposure to substandard or contaminated products could contribute to drug resistance, organ damage, premature deaths and reduced productivity, placing additional pressure on an already challenged healthcare system.

The association therefore called for an independent audit of NAFDAC and other relevant regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to determine the extent to which existing regulatory and enforcement systems are functioning effectively.

It also demanded a comprehensive overhaul of the monitoring of online commerce involving drugs, food, cosmetics, supplements and other regulated products.

NANS urged President Tinubu to order sustained enforcement operations against counterfeiters and adulterators and to establish a transparent accountability framework for regulatory agencies.

The students maintained that regulatory agencies must move beyond occasional warnings and adopt a more proactive approach capable of preventing dangerous products from reaching consumers.

“Nigerians need decisive action rather than occasional public warnings,” NANS insisted, stressing that protecting citizens from unsafe medicines and consumables should remain a national priority.

The association said stronger enforcement, effective monitoring and institutional accountability were urgently required to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s food and drug safety system.