*The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control sensitises Nigerian consumers to harmful effects of fake products that often replicate the packaging of genuine brands, disclosing cosmetic products, food and beverages constitute over 50 percent of all counterfeit products in the West African country
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has continued to alert and sensitise Nigerian consumers to harmful effects of fake products that often replicate the packaging of genuine brands in the economy.
ConsumerConnect reports NAFDAC said such counterfeits are so similar in packaging to authentic products that several consumers, and even retailers struggle to distinguish them from authentic ones in the marketplace.
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The health regulatory agency Wednesday, June 17, 2026, particularly mentioned cosmetic products, food and beverages accounting for over 50 percent of all counterfeits products in Nigeria.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, stated this at a press conference, in Abuja, FCT, to commemorate the 2026 International Anti-Counterfeit Month observed globally June of the year.
Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement of the agency, said the estimated 50 percent of the counterfeits was based on the volume of fake cosmetics, good and beverages, which NAFDAC has confiscated over time.
The Director-General also noted that the agency seized fake and substandard medicines containing incorrect ingredients, insufficient active pharmaceutical substances, or no active ingredients in circulation during its various operations across the country.
She stated: “Cosmetics account for the most counterfeited products in Nigeria, followed by food and beverages, accounting for more than 50 percent of seizures.
“Pharmaceuticals also account for significant proportion of NAFDAC’s enforcement activities.”
According to NAFDAC, there is also a concern over the evolving tactics used by counterfeiters to flood Nigeria’s markets with fake and substandard medicines.
She warned that the trend poses a serious threat to public health and national security.
The counterfeiters, Prof. Adeyeye stated, have used online procurement systems that allowed individuals to order counterfeit products directly from foreign manufacturers without leaving Nigeria.
The NAFDAC Chief also alleged the fakers exploited cargo consolidation systems, known as “groupage”, to smuggle products into the country.
The agency explained that under the groupage arrangement, multiple importers share a single shipping container, making it difficult for regulators to identify suspicious consignments in the process.
Adeyeye said: “Previously, importers had to travel abroad, inspect factories and arrange shipments themselves.
“Today, someone can sit comfortably in a shop in Nigeria, place an order online, and have counterfeit products delivered to their doorstep through logistics companies.”
She further stated: “These foreign companies have agents or suppliers that monitor products with high market demand and arrange for counterfeit versions to be manufactured abroad, particularly in Asia.
“These fake products often replicate the packaging of genuine brands so closely that consumers and even retailers struggle to distinguish them from authentic products.”
The Director-General asserted: “No country in the world can effectively monitor every single package entering through such channels.
“This has become a serious security concern, not just for medicines but for other regulated products.”
On measures against fake, harmful consumer products
Proffering solutions to the identified challenges, NAFDAC said it had strengthened collaboration with security agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other regulatory bodies.
NAFDAC is also working to close regulatory loopholes and improve verification systems that allowed manufacturers to confirm whether imported shipments actually originated from their facilities, said she.
The Director-General averred: “This fight cannot be won by NAFDAC alone.
“Government institutions, manufacturers, importers, logistics companies, healthcare professionals, media and consumers all have a role to play in safeguarding public health.”
In terms of support from the Judiciary, Adeyeye lauded the Nigerian Judiciary for expediting the prosecution of drug-related cases, and securing swift convictions for those involved in the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit and illicit medicines.
She equally noted: “We have had a number of convictions since last year.
“The most recent was an individual that was sentenced to 40 years in prison in a case that started last November and completed in February.”
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, purchase medicines only from authorised outlets.
NAFDAC as well advised consumers to verify products they buy, using available authentication technologies.
Citizens should promptly report suspected counterfeit products to the appropriate authorities, stated the agency.