As Nigerian lawmakers push for life imprisonment for fake drug dealers, a glaring question emerges—shouldn’t corrupt politicians and public officials face the same fate? While counterfeit drugs pose an immediate threat to life, the unchecked embezzlement of public funds is an even greater evil, robbing millions of healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure, ultimately leading to untold suffering and deaths.
The recent amendment to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act prescribes life sentences for anyone caught producing, storing, or distributing fake drugs. Lawmakers argue that counterfeit pharmaceuticals have caused countless deaths and must be eradicated. However, critics argue that the same energy should be directed at corruption, which allows fake drug dealers to thrive in the first place.
Corruption Fuels Fake Drug Trade
Without corruption, fake drugs would struggle to find their way into Nigerian markets. Regulatory bodies meant to safeguard public health often turn a blind eye, with some officials allegedly accepting bribes to overlook substandard or counterfeit products. Former NAFDAC Director-General, the late Dora Akunyili, fought tirelessly against fake drug cartels but faced immense resistance from corrupt insiders who benefited from the deadly trade.
In 2009, Akunyili famously exposed the dangers of fake drugs, revealing that over 60% of medicines in circulation were either substandard or outright counterfeits. Her relentless war against these criminals led to the destruction of warehouses filled with fake pharmaceuticals, yet she lamented the deep-rooted corruption that made enforcement difficult. “The fight against counterfeit drugs is a fight against corruption,” she once said.
Yet, despite these revelations, corruption within the regulatory system persists. In 2018, an undercover investigation exposed how fake drug syndicates easily obtained clearance from some corrupt officials in regulatory agencies. If lawmakers truly seek justice, why aren’t those officials facing life imprisonment as well?
Embezzlement: A Silent Killer
While fake drugs kill directly, corruption kills indirectly—but just as effectively. When politicians loot billions meant for hospitals, the result is inadequate medical facilities, lack of essential drugs, and avoidable deaths. A report by BudgIT revealed that between 2015 and 2022, over N3 trillion allocated to Nigeria’s health sector either went missing or was mismanaged. This figure is more than enough to equip every major hospital in Nigeria with state-of-the-art facilities.
A recent example is the COVID-19 relief fund scandal, where billions meant for palliatives and medical support were either unaccounted for or diverted. During the height of the pandemic, Nigerian hospitals struggled with shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), oxygen, and ventilators, yet investigations revealed that funds meant for these essentials were siphoned by top officials.
The Call for Equal Punishment
Many Nigerians believe that if lawmakers are serious about justice, the same life imprisonment being proposed for fake drug dealers should apply to corrupt officials who steal public funds. Human rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) has consistently argued that corruption is a crime against humanity. “A corrupt official who embezzles funds meant for hospitals is no different from a murderer. Their actions lead to countless deaths,” Falana stated at a 2023 anti-corruption summit.
Similarly, Aisha Yesufu, a vocal advocate for accountability, has called for tougher penalties for corrupt politicians. “A thief who steals public funds is worse than an armed robber. They don’t just steal money—they steal futures, opportunities, and lives,” she said.
Selective Justice or Real Reform?
If the Nigerian government is truly committed to justice, lawmakers must broaden their scope. The fight against fake drugs is commendable, but it cannot be effective without addressing the root cause—corruption. Enforcing life sentences on fake drug dealers while allowing corrupt politicians to walk free sends a troubling message.
Justice must be holistic. If fake drug dealers deserve life imprisonment, so do those who enable them—the corrupt officials who betray public trust and steal the nation’s future.
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