Nigeria, Feb. 6 -- The House of Representatives has called for stricter penalties, including life imprisonment, for individuals involved in the production and importation of fake drugs in Nigeria.

During Thursday's plenary, lawmakers backed a motion presented by APC legislator Tolani Shagaya, who raised concerns over the rising cases of counterfeit drugs, food, and beverages across the country.

He warned that these illegal activities pose serious risks to public health, national security, and the economy.

Reports from the World Health Organization and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control indicate that Nigeria is among the worst-hit countries by counterfeit medicines, leading to thousands of preventable deat...