The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has linked the rising circulation of fake and unsafe consumer products in Nigeria to Chinese syndicates operating production and distribution networks within the country.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, disclosed that intelligence gathered by the agency showed that counterfeit operators had shifted from merely importing fake products to establishing local manufacturing and supply channels.
Speaking on the development, Iluyomade stated that the networks now identify popular products in the Nigerian market, send samples abroad for replication and distribute counterfeit versions through logistics channels under their control.
“Before, to fake a product, you needed to go to China to bring it. Now, they are here with us. They identify moving products, send samples to China, and distribute them locally through logistics companies they own,” he said.
The NAFDAC official said the agency had begun shutting down illegal logistics facilities connected to the counterfeit networks as part of efforts to stop the circulation of substandard goods.
The warning comes amid concerns over the spread of fake cosmetics, adulterated toothpaste, contaminated bottled water and unsafe dairy products across Nigerian markets.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said enforcement operations conducted in Lagos and parts of the South-East had resulted in the seizure and destruction of counterfeit and substandard products valued at more than N1.5 trillion.
Adeyeye also disclosed that the agency secured 64 convictions against counterfeiters between June 2025 and June 2026, describing the figure as the highest number recorded in NAFDAC’s history.
The agency said several suspects arrested in Kano, Sokoto, Delta and Anambra states for alleged involvement in the importation and distribution of counterfeit oral care products are currently facing prosecution before federal courts.
NAFDAC has maintained that its intensified enforcement campaign is aimed at protecting consumers, strengthening regulatory compliance and preventing unsafe products from reaching the Nigerian market.
The agency urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and consumers to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to regulatory authorities.
