Urgent Call For Action: Sir Demola Aladekomo Appeals To President Tinubu On Counterfeit Drugs And Food Safety

Sir Demola Aladekomo calls on President Tinubu to address Nigeria’s counterfeit crisis, emphasizing stricter penalties, technological solutions, and collective action to combat the menace of fake drugs, food, and beverages.

The Rising Threat of Counterfeit Products in Nigeria

Renowned business leader and philanthropist, Sir Demola Aladekomo, has made an impassioned appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other key national leaders. His call, titled “Urgent Call to Address the Proliferation of Counterfeit and Adulterated Drugs, Food Items, and Drinks in Nigeria,” highlights a crisis threatening public health, consumer trust, and the economy.

Sir Aladekomo, the founder of Chams Plc and SmartCity Plc, expressed grave concern over the widespread circulation of counterfeit drugs, adulterated food products, and beverages. He described it as a national emergency demanding immediate intervention.

“This existential threat endangers lives, undermines public trust, and risks the health of future generations. It is time to declare a national emergency to address this alarming situation,” said Aladekomo.

Alarming Statistics on Counterfeit Products

Quoting the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report, Aladekomo revealed that 500,000 Nigerians die annually due to counterfeit and substandard drugs. This staggering figure underscores the devastating impact of counterfeit products on public health and safety.

He warned that the situation threatens:

Children’s Health: Vulnerable to substandard antibiotics and malaria medications.
Economic Stability: Loss of trust in Nigeria’s health system and markets, discouraging investments.
Consumer Safety: Adulterated baby food, plastic-infused rice, and tampered beverages are rampant in the market.

The Scope of the Problem

The issue extends across several sectors:

Food Items: Adulterated baby formula, plastic-laden rice, and contaminated bread.
Beverages: Fake bottled water, tampered soft drinks, and adulterated alcoholic beverages.
Medications: Counterfeit drugs rendering treatments ineffective or deadly.

Sir Aladekomo emphasized that existing penalties are insufficient to deter offenders, urging the government to impose harsher punishments, including:

Mandatory prison sentences.
Multi-million naira fines proportional to the harm caused.
Asset seizures to dismantle counterfeit operations.

Leveraging Technology to Combat Counterfeits

As a tech innovator, Aladekomo proposed several technological solutions to address this crisis:

Mobile Authentication Services (MAS): Enable consumers to verify product authenticity via SMS.
Blockchain Technology: Secure supply chain tracking to ensure product authenticity.
Smart Packaging: Use tamper-proof seals and nanoparticles to prevent counterfeiting.
AI and Data Analytics: Identify counterfeit hotspots for targeted enforcement.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with global tech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and NGOs.

Recommendations for Immediate Action

Sir Aladekomo presented a comprehensive action plan to curb the menace of counterfeit products:

Declare a National Emergency: Mobilize nationwide resources to address the crisis.
Strengthen Legislation:
- Enforce stricter penalties for counterfeit production and distribution.
- Empower NAFDAC with greater authority to prosecute offenders and close down counterfeit operations.
Enhanced Border Control: Use advanced scanning and tracking systems at ports and borders.
Centralized Product Database: Create a national database of verified consumables accessible to regulators and consumers.
Mass Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens on the dangers of counterfeit products through community leaders and religious organizations.

A Call for Collective Action

“This is not just a fight for the government—it is a fight for all Nigerians. Leaders, businesses, religious institutions, and individuals must unite to combat this menace,” urged Aladekomo.

He called on all Nigerians to play their part by:

Verifying products for authenticity.
Reporting counterfeit items to NAFDAC and authorities.
Purchasing from trusted vendors and pharmacies.

Sir Demola Aladekomo: A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership

Sir Demola Aladekomo, a pioneer in Nigeria’s tech space, has been instrumental in deploying groundbreaking innovations such as the Valucard project and Nigeria’s first Wide-Area Network (WAN). His leadership at Chams Plc and other ventures reflects his commitment to national development.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Aladekomo has founded NGOs like the DATA Foundation and Volunteer Corps, dedicated to corporate social investment. He remains a vocal advocate for public safety, innovation, and unity in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The proliferation of counterfeit drugs, food items, and beverages in Nigeria is a national emergency that demands immediate action. Sir Demola Aladekomo’s urgent call serves as a rallying cry for all stakeholders to come together and safeguard lives, restore trust, and secure Nigeria’s future.

By adopting stricter laws, leveraging technology, and fostering public awareness, Nigeria can combat this menace and emerge stronger as a nation.