Senator Natasha Hails NAFDAC’s Crackdown On Fake Drugs

Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its recent interception of fake and substandard drugs, describing the action as a critical step towards safeguarding public health and saving lives.

The Senator made the remarks while participating in the 2026 budget defence session of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the Senate Committee on Health, where lawmakers reviewed budgetary allocations and performance benchmarks in the health sector.

Speaking during the session, Akpoti-Uduaghan praised the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, for what she described as exceptional diligence and courage in confronting the menace of counterfeit drugs across the country.

“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,” she said. “The interception of these counterfeit products is not just an enforcement success; it is a life-saving intervention that reinforces public confidence in our healthcare system.”

She noted that the widespread circulation of fake drugs poses a serious threat to national health security, adding that NAFDAC’s sustained enforcement efforts have helped to curb a problem that has long undermined medical outcomes and public trust.

“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.

The Senator further called for sustained legislative and budgetary support for the agency to enable it to expand surveillance activities, modernise laboratories, and strengthen enforcement at borders and markets nationwide.

“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.

In response, the Senate Committee on Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and ensuring that health-sector MDAs are adequately resourced to effectively discharge their mandates, particularly in the fight against fake and substandard medical products.