The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Ministries of Health and Commerce to collaborate with relevant federal and state agencies to curb the importation, manufacture, circulation, distribution and sale of fake, counterfeit, adulterated, expired and substandard products across the state.
The call followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Ikenna Ofodeme, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze on Tuesday.
Ofodeme urged the state government to strengthen collaboration with regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), as well as industry stakeholders such as the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN).
He said the proliferation of fake and substandard products posed serious threats to the health, safety and economic well-being of residents and consumers.
According to him, the affected products include food and beverages, medical products, cosmetics, packaged water, household chemicals, food preservatives, electrical and electronic goods, building materials and other essential commodities used daily by residents.
The lawmaker noted that NAFDAC, SON and FCCPC had statutory responsibilities for product regulation, standards enforcement and consumer protection, while industry stakeholders could support government efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeiting and other illegal trade practices.
He stressed the need for stronger and better-coordinated surveillance, inspections, product testing and quality enforcement, particularly in markets and commercial centres across Anambra State.
Ofodeme warned that the continued availability of counterfeit and adulterated products undermined legitimate businesses, exposed consumers to avoidable harm and could result in serious health and financial consequences.
He added that sustained collaboration among the state government, industry stakeholders and federal regulatory agencies, alongside effective public enlightenment, would improve the detection and removal of fake products and facilitate the prosecution of those involved in their importation, manufacture, sale and distribution.
Contributing to the motion, members representing Anambra West, Orumba South, Aguata I, Njikoka I, Anambra East, Onitsha South II, Idemili North, Nnewi South II, Njikoka II, Ihiala I, Onitsha North II, Anaocha II, Onitsha North I and Dunukofia constituencies expressed concern over the dangers posed by counterfeit products, particularly fake drugs.
The lawmakers described the motion as a matter of urgent public importance, stressing that protecting lives and ensuring consumer safety remained fundamental responsibilities of government.
Some members called for stringent penalties against individuals involved in the production and distribution of fake products, with calls for severe punishment to serve as a deterrent.
In his remarks, Speaker Rt. Hon. Udeze commended Ofodeme for sponsoring the motion, noting that the Eighth Assembly needed to take concrete steps capable of producing a meaningful impact on public safety.
He expressed concern over reported deaths associated with fake products and urged the House Committee on Commerce to conduct oversight visits to markets across the state.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that Udeze also proposed a joint meeting involving the House Committees on Health, Commerce and Homeland Security to deliberate on practical measures to tackle the menace.
“We need to do something to save ourselves and society,” the Speaker said.
