Public perceptions of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria and the European Union
| Date | 23 September 2024 |
| Pages | 456-467 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-03-2024-0119 |
| Published date | 23 September 2024 |
| Author | Adebowale Obe,Mark Button |
Public perceptions of counterfeit
drugs in Nigeria and the
European Union
Adebowale Obe
St Vincent’s College, Gosport, UK, Portsmouth, England, UK, and
Mark Button
Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime, University of Portsmouth,
Portsmouth, UK
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to examinethe perception and experience of counter pharmaceuticals
in Nigeria comparedto the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach –The findings from this paper are basedupon a survey of 362 Nigerians
sourced inpublic places with the data and then compared resultsfrom a survey by the European Union.
Findings –The key findings from this research showed some areas of similarity between Nigerians and
Europeans on theirviews on the acceptability of purchasing counterfeits.However, Nigerians were more open
to purchasing counterfeits despite the risks. There was also more anxiety over the risk of purchasing
counterfeitmedicines compared to the European Union.
Research limitations/implications –Due to security issues, survey data could only be sourced from
Abuja, Lagos and the relatively peaceful southwestern region of Nigeria. The data is, therefore, not
representativeof Nigeria.
Practical implications –The purchasing experienceof counterfeit medicines by Nigerians along with their
anxietieshighlights the need for more enforcement action to tackle this problem and reassurethe public.
Social implications –The paper highlights the challenges of securinggenuine pharmaceutical products in
the Global Southand the need for more greater cross-border action to tackle the problem.
Originality/value –Tothe best of the authors’knowledge,this is the first survey of Nigerian citizens on this
issue.
Keywords Poverty, Public perception, Greed, Counterfeit drugs, Drug counterfeiting trade,
Fraudulent and corrupt practices, Regulations and enforcement, Nigerian pharmaceutical market, Fear
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Counterfeiting is a global phenomenon (De Barnier, 2014) that is increasingly gaining
prominence, particularly in developing countries. Product counterfeiting, particularly of
pharmaceutical products, has grown in recent years to become one of the world’s largest
illegal industries, posing numerous threats to consumers, legitimate businesses and
governments (Bate, 2012;Chaudhry and Zimmerman, 2009). While pharmaceutical
products are essential to the health and well-being of the people, consumption of
counterfeited medicinesposes serious danger to the health of the citizens. Over the years, the
pharmaceutical systemin many developing countries, like Nigeria,has become vulnerable to
corruption and unethical practices by criminals for personal gain and enrichment at the
detriment of the citizens. In addition to the fact that counterfeit drugs worsen the health
JFC
32,2
456
Journalof Financial Crime
Vol.32 No. 2, 2025
pp. 456-467
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1359-0790
DOI 10.1108/JFC-03-2024-0119
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/1359-0790.htm
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