Nigerian Senate Proposes 15-Year Jail for Fake Drug Offenders

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate advanced a significant bill aimed at combating counterfeit drugs, proposing a maximum jail term of 15 years and mandatory asset forfeiture for offenders. Sponsored by Senator Suleiman Umar Sadiq of the APC representing Kwara North, the bill seeks to repeal and replace the existing 2004 law, which lawmakers deemed obsolete against sophisticated counterfeit drug syndicates.

The legislation, titled the Counterfeit Medicinal Products (Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food) Prohibition Control Bill 2026, aims to address the growing menace of counterfeit products in Nigeria's healthcare system. It includes provisions for substantial financial penalties and compulsory compensation for victims' families.

The bill also proposes the establishment of a national multi-agency task force, including NAFDAC, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant agencies, to enhance intelligence gathering and dismantle smuggling networks. The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, has referred the bill to the Health Committee for further scrutiny.