NAFDAC Raises Alarm As Suspects Arrested Over Fake Products, Foreign Link Exposed

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over an emerging dimension of counterfeit products in Nigeria, alleging that some Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in counterfeiting have established production facilities and logistics networks within the country.

NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, disclosed this in an interview in Lagos, where he explained that counterfeiters who previously operated from outside Nigeria are increasingly setting up local structures to manufacture and distribute fake products.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Iluyomade said investigations by the agency revealed that some suspected counterfeiters have established logistics companies in Nigeria, which are allegedly being used to facilitate the movement and distribution of counterfeit goods.

He explained that the development has made it possible for suspected counterfeiters to identify products in demand locally, arrange for their reproduction and subsequently distribute them to Nigerian consumers without necessarily travelling abroad.

Iluyomade described the development as a new trend that has contributed to the growing counterfeit goods challenge in the country. He added that NAFDAC had identified and shut down some logistics companies allegedly connected to the illegal activities.

The agency also confirmed receiving complaints concerning counterfeit toothpaste, particularly fake Oral-B and Colgate products. Iluyomade disclosed that NAFDAC had acted on intelligence regarding the products and carried out arrests and seizures in Kano and Sokoto states, Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State.

He further revealed that two suspects are currently facing prosecution over the alleged importation of counterfeit toothpaste brands.

The NAFDAC official also highlighted the agency’s recent enforcement efforts, stating that it recorded 64 convictions between June 2025 and June 2026, describing the figure as the highest in the agency’s history.

According to him, one of the convictions resulted in a five-year prison sentence handed down in December to an individual involved in the counterfeiting of beverages after being found guilty on eight charges.

The latest revelations come amid growing concerns over the increasing circulation of fake and substandard products in Nigeria, with manufacturers, health professionals and economic stakeholders warning that the trend could threaten consumers, undermine legitimate businesses and negatively affect the country’s economy.