Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration seeks tougher stance against counterfeiters
Disturbed by the prevalent presence of counterfeit products in the market and its resultant effects on Nigerians, the Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration (ACC), in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NIROPHARM), have continued their campaign in the fight against counterfeit and illicit drugs with series of activities lined up for the year.
The 2015 ACC campaign kicked off with a press conference tagged “We all have a Role to Play in Fighting Illicit Trade” recently held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, in Lekki, Lagos, to herald the commencement of activities marking the World Anti-Counterfeiting Day which is commemorated on the 24th of June annually.
In his opening remarks, Chairman, ACC, Mr. Desmond Adesola, said the event was put together in order to address issues pertaining to the fight against illicit products and enlighten the public on the hazards of patronising them. He also noted that counterfeiting globally has ruined businesses financially and sent a large number of people abruptly to the labour market.
According to him, “It’s a big battle and it’s a global one, people call it transnational. It is global because estimates is that a $1tn in annual losses is lost to counterfeiting globally either by government, consumers or manufacturers. Counterfeiting is not only about money, it is also about people. About 2 million jobs are at risk annually from counterfeiters. Illicit trade destroys companies; we have this as a big problem.”
Mr. Adesola further disclosed that the group has embarked on a 360o Marshall Plan aimed at training and empowering the law enforcement agents with the necessary skills to battle this heinous crime.
The event which was attended by the various government departments and regulatory bodies, stakeholders in the consumer goods and pharmaceutical industry, and professionals from diverse sectors witnessed the delivery on topical issues such as legislation, enforcement, consumer rights, and avarice of manufacturers, intelligence sharing and collaboration amongst other concerns hindering the fight against counterfeit and illicit products.
The Director General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said one of the problems facing the council is the inability of manufacturers to disclose relevant information of their brands noting that the council is not availed with the necessary message to inform consumers on ways of deciphering counterfeit products from the original. She advocates that brand protection should be minimal while protection of the consumers should be maximal.
The DG said, “We find that there is a dearth of intelligence for us. We are not business people, we don’t know what your product is, we don’t know the signs and logos and the security things that you’ve put on them which would make us differentiate it. But if you don’t tell us, there is no way we can help you.”
The DG also lamented about the lack of consumer education and stressed the need for proper consumer awareness and education noting that the council under her administration has made it a paramount objective.
Also speaking, the Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, who was represented by the Head, Investigation and Enforcement, Kingsley Ejiofor, said apart from consumers knowing their rights, a collaborative mechanism between the agency and the consumers, manufacturers, media, law enforcement agents and regulatory bodies locally and internationally is needed to combat this menace. He revealed that NAFDAC is in collaboration with Interpol, MSN, and other global agencies involved in the fight against counterfeit products.
The DG also highlighted on the need for legislation to be strengthened stating that the present laws are “weak.” He further disclosed that an executive bill would be presented before the National Assembly as a way of strengthening the present laws and taking care of new developments such as terrorism.
The Head of Customer Feedback and Collaboration, Standards Organisations of Nigeria, Mrs NwaomaOluje, at the event said Nigerians must change their mentality towards counterfeiting. She said, “The society generally believes that counterfeiting is a victimless crime because it is another cheap alternative way of having a production but it is a serious crime when you consider the huge impacts and hazards associated with counterfeiting products. So that is why all of us have to join hands together in ensuring that we get rid of this monster.”
Oluje disclosed that majority of the products “that are counterfeited are substandard.” She added that SON ensures that genuine manufacturers’ products comply with the requirements set by the agency with the “NIS” mark of quality identifying an approved SON product. She also said that in collaboration with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), SON carries out enforcement raids to clear the market of all substandard products.
Speaking on the consequences of counterfeiting and illicit trade, President, NIROPHARM, Mr.Lekan Asuni, said the effects of illicit trade are felt negatively on the country’s economy, health system, and the general populace. He also lamented the lack of appropriate funding for the regulatory agencies by government that would aid proper enforcement of regulations. He also mentioned that the channel of distribution of products needs to be properly scrutinized by the relevant agencies.
The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ACC and NAFDAC. On why his agency signed the MOU with ACC, The DG NAFDAC said, “I am so happy that we are signing the MOU today. This means that we’re able to formalise our relationship. Whenever and wherever ACC is called, NAFDAC would be there because they are our partners.”
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