Life expectancy in Nigeria stands at 55 years today, nearly 20 years less than the world average and it falls further in the years to come.
But not because of bandits and kidnapping gangs.
Nigeria is facing a silent but potentially devastating national emergency: the proliferation of fake, adulterated, and substandard products in its food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
What Nigerians consume daily is increasingly becoming a matter of public health concern and demands a ministerial-level investigation.
Even more alarming is the growing threat of counterfeit drugs, which undermines treatment, endangers lives, and threatens the credibility of the entire healthcare system.
NAFDAC, appears increasingly overwhelmed by the scale of this menace. Other agencies don’t seem to care.
Underfunded, understaffed, and inadequately equipped, NAFDAC is facing a challenge that far exceeds its current capacity. The country may need stronger laws.