Soludo Demands Urgent Border Security Overhaul to Halt Fake Drug Influx

 Governor Chukwuma Soludo has issued a stark warning, calling for an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s border security to combat the escalating crisis of counterfeit drug imports. The governor’s urgent plea highlights the severe threat posed by substandard and falsified medications, which are flooding the nation and jeopardizing public health.

Speaking from the Anambra State Government House, Governor Soludo stressed that the nation’s porous borders are a primary conduit for the entry of these dangerous products. He emphasized that the current security measures are insufficient to stem the tide of illicit pharmaceuticals, necessitating a radical shift in strategy.

“We cannot afford to be complacent while counterfeit drugs wreak havoc on the health of our citizens,” Governor Soludo declared. “The time for action is now. We must fortify our borders and ensure that only safe and legitimate medications enter our country.” 

He demanded the immediate deployment of additional security personnel and advanced surveillance technology to all border entry points, including land, sea, and air. He called for a more coordinated approach among various security agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Governor Soludo underscored the need for seamless collaboration between federal and state governments, as well as international partners, to effectively address the transnational nature of the counterfeit drug trade.

Governor Soludo’s impassioned plea comes amidst growing public concern over the widespread availability of counterfeit drugs, which undermine public trust in the healthcare system and pose a direct threat to the lives of Nigerians. He emphasized that strengthening border security is not merely a matter of law enforcement but a fundamental imperative for safeguarding the nation’s health security.

“We must send a clear message to those involved in this illicit trade: their activities will not be tolerated,” Governor Soludo asserted. “We will not rest until we have eradicated the scourge of counterfeit drugs from our nation.”