Fake drug epidemic exposed in Lagos

A new investigation by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has shed light on the disturbing prevalence of counterfeit drugs thriving in Lagos.

What appears to be an expanding underground industry involves replacing well-known brands with fake, substandard versions.

For instance, popular cold medication Procold is being imitated with a product called Clearcold. These counterfeit drugs lack NAFDAC approval, yet hawkers peddle them openly.

“They sell all kinds of drugs. Those of us in the association can only sell approved, over-the-counter medications. But with these people, there’s no type of drug they don’t have. Their mobile operations make it easy for them to evade the law,” said Ubani, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Medicine Dealers Association (LSMDA).

Habib Yusuf, a member of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), stated, “For informal sellers, the supply chain is often opaque and unverified. The lack of transparency creates an environment for the proliferation of counterfeit, substandard, or expired medications.”

“In contrast, licensed sellers are subject to regular inspections and quality checks, which help maintain the integrity and efficacy of the medications they dispense.

This system helps prevent the distribution of substandard, counterfeit, or expired drugs that can pose serious health risks to consumers,” he added.