PSN Calls for Tougher Penalties for Counterfeit Drug Offences

The society’s proposals include substantial fines, imprisonment and asset forfeiture, according to reports published on 20 October 2026. However, the precise penalties require confirmation against the original PSN submission and the relevant provisions of the proposed legislation.

The recommendations form part of wider efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework for combating counterfeit medicines and protecting patients from unsafe pharmaceutical products.

PSN seeks tougher sanctions

PSN President Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko presented the society’s position during engagements concerning proposed amendments to Nigeria’s anti-counterfeit drug legislation, according to media reports.

The society is urging the National Assembly to strengthen the legal consequences for counterfeit medicine offences. Its proposals include financial penalties, imprisonment and forfeiture of assets linked to convicted offenders.

The exact sanctions applicable to individual offences will depend on the provisions contained in the proposed amendments. The recommendations should not be confused with penalties already in force under existing legislation.

Senate considers legislative reforms

The proposed amendments are associated with Senate Bill 951 (SB 951), which seeks changes to the legal framework governing counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods.

The Senate advanced the bill to second reading in July 2026 and referred it to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for further consideration, according to reports of the legislative proceedings.

A committee notice subsequently scheduled a public hearing for 8 and 9 October 2026. The hearing was intended to provide a forum for stakeholders to contribute to consideration of the relevant health-sector legislation.

The outcome of that hearing and the bill’s subsequent legislative status require further confirmation. No claim should be made that the proposed amendments have become law without evidence of their passage and the required assent.

Implications for medicine safety

Counterfeit and substandard medicines can expose patients to ineffective treatment, treatment failure and other health risks. Stronger legislation could support efforts to deter offenders, but its effectiveness would depend on enforcement, investigation, prosecution and coordination among the relevant authorities.

For pharmacists, the proposed reforms are relevant to medicine quality, supply-chain integrity and patient protection. Effective inspection, traceability, responsible procurement and distribution through authorised channels remain important components of medicine safety.

NAFDAC, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, law-enforcement agencies and the courts have roles within their respective mandates in addressing unlawful medicine distribution and related offences.

What happens next?

The proposed penalties and the bill’s current legislative status require confirmation from primary documents, including the text of SB 951 and PSN’s formal submission.

For Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, the key question is whether the proposed reforms will translate into more effective enforcement, improved medicine distribution and stronger protection for patients.