Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Olisa Metuh, has called for tougher penalties for manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit medicines and adulterated consumer products, arguing that existing punishments may not adequately deter offenders.
Metuh, who serves as Director of Mobilisation and Organisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
He was reacting to the conviction of an Aba-based businessman, Innocent Okoye, over the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Okoye was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦5 million fine, following his conviction by a Federal High Court for offences relating to the production and sale of the counterfeit product.
Describing the punishment as a “mere slap on the wrist,” Metuh argued that penalties for counterfeiting and product adulteration should reflect the potential harm such activities can cause to consumers.
He warned that relatively modest financial penalties could allow unscrupulous manufacturers to treat punishment as a business expense rather than a meaningful deterrent.
According to him, the government must take a stronger position against those who deliberately compromise the safety and quality of products sold to the public.
Metuh Highlights Risks to Consumers
Metuh said counterfeit and adulterated products pose serious risks to public health, particularly when they involve medicines, food, beverages, cosmetics and household goods.
Consumers who unknowingly purchase such products may be exposed to substances that do not meet required safety standards or may fail to deliver the benefits expected of genuine products.
In the case of medicines, counterfeit products can delay effective treatment or expose patients to harmful ingredients. Adulterated food products can also create health risks, depending on the substances used and the level of contamination.
Metuh argued that the consequences can extend beyond individual consumers, affecting families, businesses and public confidence in the marketplace.
He called for penalties strong enough to discourage the production and distribution of counterfeit goods and to ensure that offenders face consequences proportionate to the seriousness of their crimes.
Court Convicts Businessman Over Counterfeit Olive Oil
The case involving Okoye followed an enforcement operation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Information reported about the case indicates that the agency uncovered a facility in Aba, Abia State, allegedly used to manufacture and distribute counterfeit olive oil.
The subsequent investigation led to Okoye’s prosecution and conviction.
NAFDAC has previously warned consumers about counterfeit products being sold under the Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil name.
The agency has advised consumers to pay attention to product packaging and purchase goods through reliable distribution channels. It has also urged traders and members of the public to report suspected counterfeit products and illegal manufacturing operations.
The conviction highlights the continuing challenge facing regulators responsible for protecting consumers from unsafe and falsely labelled goods.
Stronger Enforcement and Consumer Protection
Metuh’s intervention has added to calls for more effective enforcement against businesses that profit from counterfeit products.
However, tougher penalties would need to operate alongside consistent inspections, reliable laboratory testing, effective prosecution and public awareness campaigns.
Regulators must also ensure that investigations and court proceedings follow due process so that those accused of wrongdoing receive fair hearings and convictions are supported by evidence.
For consumers, the case serves as a reminder to exercise caution when purchasing products whose packaging, source or authenticity appears questionable.
The broader issue is whether stronger enforcement and proportionate penalties can help prevent counterfeit goods from reaching the market and protect Nigerians from avoidable health risks.