The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ,NAFDAC, has raised concerns over the growing circulation of counterfeit products in Nigeria, linking a significant portion of the trade to organised Chinese syndicates.
The agency said the activities of the syndicates had contributed to the increasing availability of fake and substandard products in the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC stressed that the influx of counterfeit goods poses serious risks to public health and consumer safety, particularly when such products enter the country through illicit channels.
Speaking on the development, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, said intelligence reports revealed that counterfeit networks have shifted from importing fake products to establishing production and distribution operations inside Nigeria.
According to Iluyomade, the syndicates now identify fast-selling products, send samples to China for replication, and distribute counterfeit versions through logistics companies under their control.
The agency said it was strengthening surveillance, enforcement and collaboration with relevant authorities to identify those involved in the importation, distribution and sale of counterfeit products.
“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.
NAFDAC also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant when purchasing regulated products and report suspected counterfeit goods to the appropriate authorities.
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