The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Health to commence the regulation of all manner of food and allied food products and drugs sold and consumed in Anambra State in line with the provisions of the national policy on food safety as well as the National Drug Control Masterplan (NDCMP) 2021 – 2025 in order to checkmate unwholesome food and drug practices and ensure, protect and preserve the health and safety of Anambarians.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the resolution was made following a motion sponsored by the member representing Aguata two constituency Hon Tony Muobike at plenary on Tuesday.
Hon. Muobike who is the House Committee Chairman on Health in his submissions stated that the National policy on food safety mandates the States’ Ministry of Health with the role of transforming food hygiene and safety policies into programs of activities for implementation in the states.
Muobike maintained that addressing and controlling illicit drug supply forms a cardinal goal of the National Drug Control Master Plan for 2021- 2025.
The lawmaker further said that food and drugs, being essential ingredients for human survival are sold in all forms to the citizens of Anambra State.
“Unwholesome practices such as sale of illicit and unauthorized drugs as well as unhygienically handle, processed, cooked, stored and transported food, could lead to serious emergency concems.
“This situation if allowed to persist could constitute further burden on our already overstretched health and economic systems.
“Monitoring of the food and drug delivery system by the Ministry of Health will guarantee a safer drug and food culture”. Muobike submitted
Supporting the motion, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata one), Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Jude Akpua (Njikoka two), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North two),
Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South two) Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye (Awka South two) in there separate submissions commended Muobike for sponsoring the life saving motion, stating that the health and well being of ndi Anambra is a priority.
“There is rise cases of kidney problems, cancer duo to fake products been sold in Anambra State and this act has resulted to loss of life’s
“This motion dwells on the safety of food and drugs and is aimed at arming the relevant agencies
“NAFDAC can not be everywhere and is necessary for the state government through the ministry of health to intervene”. The lawmakers said.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided the sitting while supporting the motion said its time for the state government to pay serious attention to this aspect of life.
Rt. Hon. Udeze urged the House Committee on health to join hands through their over-sight function to tackle this menace.
The House adjurned and to reconvene on Tuesday 19th November 2024.
