Lawmaker Seeks Taskforce To Fight Counterfeit Drugs In Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon Moses Essien, has expressed concern over the proliferation of fake drugs and drug counterfeits, warning that if the menace is not correctly checked, the population risks untimely death from unwholesome drug consumption.

Therefore, he called on the state government to establish a task force to combat the growing menace of counterfeit drugs, unwholesome processed foods, and unregulated herbal products.

Essien, who chairs the House Committees on Health, Nutrition and Food Security, made the call during the House plenary session.

He frowned thoughtfully over the proliferation of fake and substandard products in markets and streets across the state.

More worrisome to the lawmaker, according to him, is the trend of fake drug vendors visible at an alarming rate on street corners in the metropolis, saying such a nuisance poses serious health risks to residents.

Moving a “Motion for Urgent Setting up of Akwa Ibom State Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods”, Essien invoked the relevant provisions of the House rules and called for urgent action.

He cited the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No. 25 of 1999, which empowers both federal and state governments to establish task forces for the control of illegal drug distribution and sales.

The lawmaker regretted that despite the legal provision, successive administrations had failed to implement it, leaving the state vulnerable to the harmful effects of fake drugs and unwholesome food products.

He recalled that previous efforts by the now-defunct Task Force had led to the seizure of unapproved drugs worth over N900,000 million and counterfeit drugs valued at N8.5 million, adding that the disbanded Task Force also secured convictions against individuals involved in illegal drug sales.

“The absence of a functional Task Force has allowed dangerous products to circulate freely, resulting in cases of kidney failure, liver malfunction, and other serious health complications,” Essien noted.

He urged the state government to establish the Task Force and equip it with the necessary tools and authority to carry out its duties effectively. He expressed optimism that the task force, when created, “will be empowered to seize counterfeit drugs and Unwholesome products, monitor unauthorised drug advertisements, and also ensure strict enforcement of health regulations across the state.”

Responding, the Speaker of the House,  Elder Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk to  communicate the resolution to the Executive arm, urging Governor Umo Eno to “act swiftly in constituting the Task Force to safeguard the health and well-being of the citizens.”