Chief Olisa Metuh, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, has advocated for harsher penalties for the production and distribution of counterfeit goods, particularly fake drugs. As the Director of Mobilisation and Organisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Metuh expressed his concerns over the current five-year jail term or N5 million fine imposed on offenders. He described the punishment as inadequate, warning that weak sanctions could embolden unscrupulous manufacturers and distributors.
Metuh's comments followed the conviction of Innocent Okoye by the Federal High Court in Abia State for producing and distributing fake Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Okoye was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with an option of a N5 million fine. Metuh argued that such lenient punishments fail to reflect the severity of the offences and the potential harm caused to consumers. He emphasized that counterfeiting poses serious dangers to public health, exposing people to illnesses, organ damage, and preventable deaths.
The consequences of counterfeiting can be devastating, affecting hundreds or thousands of people. Metuh stressed that the law must respond with consequences that fit the crime, advocating for substantially longer prison sentences, including punishment comparable to that prescribed for serious violent crimes where counterfeiting results in death or severe injury. He also called for fines proportionate to illicit profits, forfeiture of assets acquired through the illegal business, and compensation for victims.
Metuh urged authorities to ensure the withdrawal of dangerous products from circulation and prosecute corporate executives, manufacturers, importers, and distributors who knowingly facilitate the offences. He emphasized that tougher legislation must be accompanied by prompt prosecution and consistent enforcement. According to Metuh, a five-year jail term or N5 million fine amounts to a mere slap on the wrist, and such punishment should never become the cost of doing business with human lives.
The call for stiffer penalties comes amid legislative efforts to strengthen the fight against counterfeit medical products and unwholesome food. The Senate passed the Counterfeit Medical Products, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Prohibition and Control) Bill in July 2026, which provides for a 15-year prison term upon conviction, asset forfeiture, and enhanced enforcement powers for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The proposed legislation aims to address the growing concern of counterfeit products in Nigeria. Metuh's advocacy aligns with the efforts to combat the menace of fake drugs and adulterated consumer products. His proposal for longer prison terms and asset forfeiture is seen as a step towards ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.
The issue of fake drugs and counterfeit products remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with the potential to cause widespread harm to public health. Metuh's call for stiffer penalties and the Senate's proposed legislation demonstrate the need for a comprehensive approach to address this problem.
Key points
- Olisa Metuh advocates for 15-year jail terms and asset forfeiture for offenders producing and distributing fake drugs.
- The Senate passed a bill in July 2026 to combat counterfeit medical products and unwholesome food.
- Current penalties for counterfeiting are considered inadequate, with Metuh describing them as a "mere slap on the wrist".
