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Counterfeit Cosmetics, Food, Drinks Top Nigeria’s Fake Seized Products – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that cosmetics, food, and beverages account for more than half of all counterfeit products seized across Nigeria, underscoring the growing threat posed by fake consumer goods in the country.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a briefing to commemorate the 2026 International Anti-Counterfeit Month. She was represented at the event by the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
According to Adeyeye, enforcement operations conducted nationwide indicate that counterfeit cosmetics remain the most frequently seized fake products, followed by food and beverages. She added that falsified medicines, often containing incorrect, insufficient, or no active ingredients, also constitute a significant portion of confiscated items.
“Cosmetics account for the most counterfeited products in Nigeria, followed by food and beverages, accounting for more than 50 per cent of seizures,” she said.
The NAFDAC boss warned that counterfeiters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting digital commerce and evolving logistics systems to evade detection.
She explained that criminals now use online procurement platforms to import fake products directly into Nigeria, while also taking advantage of “groupage” cargo arrangements, where multiple importers share shipping containers, making inspection and enforcement more challenging.
“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,” Adeyeye stated.
She further noted that counterfeiters are producing packaging that closely resembles genuine brands, making it increasingly difficult for consumers and regulators to distinguish fake products from authentic ones.
To combat the menace, NAFDAC said it has strengthened collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies, tightened regulatory measures, and enhanced product verification mechanisms.
Adeyeye stressed that tackling the counterfeit trade requires collective action from government agencies, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers.
“This fight cannot be won by NAFDAC alone,” she said.
The agency also commended the judiciary for supporting anti-counterfeiting efforts through expedited prosecutions, citing recent convictions, including a 40-year prison sentence handed down to a convicted offender.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to purchase products only from authorised outlets, make use of available authentication tools to verify product authenticity, and promptly report suspected counterfeit goods to the appropriate authorities.