The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and sellers of fake medicines in Nigeria.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that weak penalties, such as small fines and short prison terms, are not enough to deter offenders who endanger lives.
Her appeal aligns with the Nigerian Senate’s recent decision to amend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, approving the death penalty for drug traffickers.
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The amended bill, passed in May 2024, replaces life imprisonment with capital punishment for those caught manufacturing, importing, or distributing dangerous substances like cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
The Senate’s move aims to strengthen the NDLEA’s enforcement capacity and curb the rise of illicit drug use in the country.
Prof. Adeyeye also highlighted the dangers of fake drugs, especially children’s medicines that contain no active ingredients, stressing that such products can be as deadly as weapons. She urged lawmakers to pass stricter measures to protect public health.
While some lawmakers, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, opposed the death penalty provision, arguing that it was hastily considered, the amendment was upheld and passed in the Senate.
