Nigerians have raised concerns over the growing presence of counterfeit and substandard products in markets across the country, with food, drugs, cosmetics and other consumer goods among items being targeted.
The development has renewed scrutiny of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, with members of the public questioning how fake products continue to reach consumers despite the agencies’ regulatory responsibilities.
The concerns have been amplified on social media, where Nigerians have been exposing products they suspect to be fake, adulterated or potentially dangerous.
Among the products generating concern are toothpaste, yoghurt, paracetamol, palm oil and other commonly used consumer goods.
Some Nigerians have also questioned the effectiveness of surveillance and enforcement by regulatory authorities, arguing that counterfeit products should not be able to remain on shelves if routine checks are properly carried out.
A former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State, Dr Saheed Babajide, attributed the spread of counterfeit drugs partly to poor enforcement by government agencies.
Babajide called for stronger laws and tougher punishment for individuals involved in the production and distribution of fake drugs, warning that the consequences could be deadly.
He urged NAFDAC and SON to intensify their regulatory duties, including regular surveillance, product checks and enforcement against businesses found dealing in counterfeit goods.
A Lagos-based commentator, Segun Odunewu, also called for an overhaul of NAFDAC, arguing that the continued presence of dangerous counterfeit products showed that the country could no longer afford weak enforcement.
He described the situation as more than an ordinary market offence, saying the circulation of fake medicines, adulterated food, substandard electrical products and building materials could pose serious economic and public health risks.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to demand stronger action from regulatory agencies to identify counterfeit products, remove them from circulation and prosecute those responsible for putting consumers at risk.