The Imo State House of Assembly has described the circulation of expired products as a greater threat than insurgency, calling for immediate action to protect the health of residents.
During its plenary on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, lawmakers urged the state government and relevant agencies to intensify efforts to sensitize consumers on checking expiry dates before purchasing products.
The call was triggered by a motion presented by Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, the Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency. Hon. Ikpamezie warned that expired products, including packaged foods, drinks, and drugs, were in wide circulation across the state, posing grave health risks to unsuspecting residents.
“Many people are sick without knowing the cause, and it is often because they unknowingly consumed expired products. Over 80% of consumers in Imo State do not check expiry dates before purchasing from markets or supermarkets,” Ikpamezie explained during the motion.
He further highlighted the health consequences of consuming expired goods, such as food poisoning, liver and kidney damage, and bacterial infections.
According to the lawmaker, these conditions have become life-threatening for many residents and require urgent attention.
The motion was overwhelmingly supported by lawmakers, with Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri, Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-East Constituency, seconding it.
“Selling expired products is worse than insurgency. It has the potential to wipe out a generation if left unchecked.” Nwaneri said.
Other lawmakers echoed similar concerns, urging the government to impose stricter penalties on businesses and individuals distributing expired or counterfeit products.
They also called for increased collaboration with regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and the Consumer Protection Council to enforce stricter measures against the menace.
“Regulatory bodies must step up and collaborate with the House Committee on Commerce and Industry to address this issue comprehensively. Complacency on their part only makes the situation worse,” said Hon. Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre).
Despite broad support, Hon. Sir Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal) expressed reservations over the composition of the motion but acknowledged the health risks posed by expired products.
Following deliberations, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, adopted the motion and directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution to the appropriate authorities.
The resolution called on ministries and regulatory agencies to intensify consumer sensitization efforts and ensure strict enforcement of laws against expired products in Imo State.
