By Our Correspondent

The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has called on the Federal Government to intensify its crackdown on unregulated online drug marketers, warning that Nigerians could be exposed to serious health risks through misleading advertisements and unverified medical claims.

Otiti raised the alarm over the growing activities of individuals and online platforms promoting products they claim can cure chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate enlargement and other ailments, often without presenting verifiable scientific evidence to support their claims.

According to him, some online marketers employ fear-based advertising strategies, using alarming messages and disturbing illustrations to convince unsuspecting members of the public that they risk death or severe complications unless they purchase the products being promoted.

He described the practice as unethical and potentially dangerous, noting that vulnerable Nigerians, particularly sick and elderly people, could be manipulated into spending substantial sums on products whose safety and effectiveness have not been independently established.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to exploit the fears of sick and elderly Nigerians for financial gain,” Otiti said.

He expressed concern that some advertisements promise extraordinary or miraculous results while asking consumers to wait for one or two months before expecting any improvement.

The GOMEP-NG President stressed that medicines intended to treat specific medical conditions should be supported by credible scientific evidence and subjected to appropriate regulatory oversight.

He also questioned why some products aggressively marketed on social media appear to escape the level of scrutiny expected of conventional pharmaceutical products, despite the serious health claims associated with them.

NAFDAC, PCN, ARCON FACE CALL FOR ACTION

Otiti urged the Federal Government to strengthen enforcement against misleading medical advertisements and the sale of unverified medicines through digital platforms.

He specifically called on relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), to intensify monitoring and take appropriate action against individuals and organisations violating existing regulations.

He further appealed to social media companies to work closely with Nigerian authorities to identify and remove advertisements containing unsubstantiated medical claims or using fear to pressure consumers into purchasing products.

According to him, digital platforms must not become channels through which misleading health information is disseminated to millions of Nigerians without adequate accountability.

WHAT NIGERIANS MUST WATCH OUT FOR

The GOMEP President advised Nigerians to exercise caution when encountering online advertisements promising instant, guaranteed or miraculous cures for serious medical conditions.

He urged members of the public to consult qualified healthcare professionals before using medicines or other products promoted online, particularly when such products claim to treat chronic illnesses.

Otiti maintained that public health protection requires stronger regulation, sustained public enlightenment and decisive action against deceptive marketing practices capable of endangering lives.

He reaffirmed GOMEP-NG’s commitment to promoting responsible digital communication and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting Nigerians from misinformation, deceptive health advertisements and other harmful online practices.

As online health marketing continues to attract public attention, Otiti’s warning raises an important question: Who is protecting Nigerians from unverified medicines and frightening health claims circulating across social media?