Nigerian Lawmakers Push for Action Against Fake Food and Drinks

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the fight against fake and low-quality food and drinks. Lawmakers want stronger actions to protect consumers from unsafe products.

They are asking agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to work closely with the police and customs to increase surveillance and enforcement across the country.

The House is pushing for more inspections and testing of food and drinks. They want to target everyone involved in the supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Relevant committees will also assess the scale of the problem and how well current measures are working, with findings expected in about four weeks.

Abubakar Maki Yalleman, the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, emphasized that access to safe food and drinks is vital for the health and productivity of Nigerians. He noted that proper food safety practices can help prevent illnesses caused by harmful substances.

Yalleman mentioned recent enforcement actions, including the dismantling of illegal alcohol operations and a raid on an unregistered juice factory. He expressed concern about the rising issue of fake and substandard products, which can lead to serious health risks for consumers.

He pointed out that some manufacturers engage in dangerous practices, such as altering labels and using contaminated materials, which can result in severe health issues like poisoning and organ damage. He stressed the need for better coordination among regulatory agencies to tackle this growing problem.

Lawmakers are calling for more effective inspections and enforcement throughout the food and beverage supply chain to eliminate counterfeit products and protect public health.