The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on Monday demanded that offenders who produce or sell counterfeit medicines face a minimum fine of N25 million and prison sentences ranging from five to twenty years, aiming to deter the lucrative illegal trade and safeguard public health.
Key points highlighted by PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim include: the current penalties of N5,000‑N10,000 are ineffective; the proposed amendment would set fines of at least N25 million, imprisonment of five to twenty years, and possible asset forfeiture; and the society has already presented its position at a Senate public hearing, urging lawmakers to accelerate the legislative process. Ibrahim warned, “Drug faking has come to stay. Nobody should assume that it can be eliminated because it’s a very lucrative business.”
What changes are being proposed to the Fake Drug Act?
Ibrahim explained that the amendment would prescribe a fine not less than N25 million, a custodial term of no less than five years and up to twenty years, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. The draft also calls for the seizure of assets linked to the crime.
Which agencies are expected to enforce the tougher penalties?
The president appealed to the [National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control](https://www.nafdac.gov.ng) (NAFDAC), the [Pharmacy Council of Nigeria](https://www.pcn.gov.ng) (PCN) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to intensify detection, arrest and prosecution of counterfeit drug operators.
How will the National Drug Distribution Guidelines help?
Beyond harsher punishments, Ibrahim urged full implementation of the 2015 National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG), which call for the relocation of open‑air drug markets to Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) for better monitoring. The PSN identified major open markets in Idumota (Lagos), Head Bridge (Onitsha, Anambra), Sabon Gari (Kano) and Ariaria (Aba, Abia) as priority sites for reform. Progress has been noted in Kano, while projects in Lagos and Anambra still need completion.
What role should pharmacists play in protecting consumers?
Ibrahim stressed that the burden of spotting fake medicines should not fall on patients. He said pharmacists and other qualified professionals must verify product authenticity, noting that some manufacturers have introduced verification systems. “It is not the job of a patient to check or confirm whether a drug is fake or not. The pharmacist that showed the drug to him should be able to check if the drug is fake or not,” he asserted.
Why are medicine prices still high despite government incentives?
Addressing rising drug costs, Ibrahim argued that incentives alone will not lower prices unless broader production costs—such as diesel, electricity and transport—are tackled. He called for the government to consult manufacturers and industry bodies before rolling out price‑reduction policies and to foster collaboration between research agencies and local producers to turn natural‑product discoveries into affordable medicines.
The PSN’s 99th Annual National Conference will be held in Awka, Anambra State, from 1‑6 November 2026 under the theme “One Health, One Pharmacy: Bridging Knowledge, Practice and Policy for National Impact,” bringing together pharmacists, regulators, policymakers and researchers to discuss practice, education, research and pharmaceutical policy.