Fake Products Are Still Reaching Nigerians: Who Is Protecting Consumers?
Counterfeit, adulterated and substandard goods remain a serious concern in Nigeria. Reports of fake beverages, dairy products, palm oil, medicines and cosmetics have left many shoppers unsure whether everyday items on store shelves are safe. NAFDAC says it received 225 complaints about suspected counterfeit products in August and seized 10,000 cartons of fake goods in Lagos that month. The agency also says it has seized or destroyed more than ₦1.54 trillion worth of substandard regulated products since 2023. While these figures show enforcement activity, they also highlight the scale of the problem. NAFDAC says its responsibility mainly covers processed and packaged foods, while state and local authorities oversee traditionally processed market foods and NAQS handles imported fresh produce. For consumers, however, these divisions offer little reassurance when unsafe products can still reach homes. Nigerians need clear reporting channels, coordinated enforcement and protection for people who raise genuine safety concerns. Seizures and convictions matter, but the real test is whether fake products are kept off shelves before they harm consumers.
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