By Benson Daniel
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has raised fresh concerns over the growing circulation of counterfeit and substandard products in Nigeria, with the agency identifying Chinese counterfeiters operating within the country as a major factor behind the worsening situation.
NAFDAC said investigations had uncovered a new pattern in which some Chinese nationals involved in counterfeiting have moved operations into Nigeria, establishing production and distribution networks locally rather than relying entirely on goods shipped from abroad.
The development comes amid growing public concern over the increasing presence of fake and adulterated products in Nigerian markets, with manufacturers, health professionals and other stakeholders warning about the consequences for consumers and legitimate businesses.
The agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, disclosed that some counterfeiters previously operated outside Nigeria but have now established facilities and logistics channels within the country.
According to him, the development has made it easier for counterfeit products to be produced, moved and distributed across the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC also identified logistics companies allegedly used to facilitate the movement of counterfeit goods and said it had been taking action against such operators.
The agency’s disclosure comes at a time when concerns over fake consumer products have intensified, with complaints involving counterfeit toothpaste, creams, bottled water, yoghurt drinks and other products attracting widespread attention.
NAFDAC has also received complaints over counterfeit versions of popular toothpaste brands, highlighting the difficulty consumers face in distinguishing genuine products from imitations.
The economic cost of the counterfeit trade is equally significant. NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that the agency destroyed regulated products worth more than N1.5 trillion during a coordinated operation conducted across Lagos and the South East between February and March 2025.
The destruction formed part of a broader crackdown on fake and substandard products, with the agency putting the total value of counterfeit and substandard goods destroyed or seized nationwide since 2023 at more than N1.54 trillion.
Beyond the financial losses suffered by manufacturers, the proliferation of counterfeit products poses serious risks to public health, particularly when fake medicines, food products and other consumables enter the market.
NAFDAC has repeatedly warned consumers to be cautious when purchasing regulated products and to patronise authorised distributors and licensed outlets.
The agency’s latest revelation has also renewed calls for stronger enforcement at ports, warehouses, production facilities and distribution channels to prevent counterfeit products from reaching consumers.
Manufacturers have continued to raise concerns that counterfeit goods undermine businesses that invest heavily in meeting regulatory standards while creating unfair competition for genuine products.
The latest development is expected to intensify scrutiny of the supply chains used to bring counterfeit goods into circulation and the networks responsible for distributing them across different parts of Nigeria.
With public concern mounting, NAFDAC is expected to sustain its enforcement operations against manufacturers, importers, distributors and other participants found to be involved in the production or sale of counterfeit and substandard products.
The agency has maintained that tackling the counterfeit market requires stronger surveillance, enforcement and cooperation among regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to protect consumers and safeguard legitimate businesses.
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