The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to intensify its efforts against the production, distribution, and sale of fake, adulterated, and substandard food and beverages in Nigeria, highlighting the serious public health risks posed by this growing issue.
The call came during a plenary session on Tuesday, following a motion sponsored by Abubakar Yalleman, the representative for Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency in Jigawa State. Yalleman emphasised that access to safe and quality food and drinks is vital for the health and productivity of Nigerians.
He pointed out that proper processing methods and hygiene practices are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can result from harmful bacteria, chemical residues, and contamination. Ensuring compliance with food safety standards would enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian food businesses on regional and international stages by reducing export rejections and fostering economic growth.
Yalleman raised concerns about recent incidents involving counterfeit alcoholic beverages and illegal food production. He referenced the dismantling of alcohol counterfeiting operations in Zamfara Plaza on Lagos Island by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in April and a raid on an illegal fruit juice factory in Badagry by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in September.
He described the situation as alarming, noting that it includes the growing production and sale of unsafe food and beverages, which exposes consumers to serious health risks such as acute poisoning, cancer, and damage to vital organs.
Yalleman highlighted the roles of NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in regulating food safety but expressed concern over misleading information on product labels, particularly regarding production and expiry dates.
He called for stronger enforcement of existing laws, better coordination among regulatory bodies, improved market surveillance, and increased public awareness. He also warned of particular risks to vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, due to the prevalence of counterfeit products.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House insisted that the Federal Government treat the issue as a pressing national concern requiring urgent regulatory action. They urged NAFDAC, SON, and FCCPC to collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to enhance nationwide inspections and compliance checks.
The relevant committees were tasked with assessing the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of current measures, with a report due in four weeks to support further legislative action in tackling the circulation of unsafe food and beverages.
