The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has disclosed that cosmetics, food products and beverages make up more than half of counterfeit items intercepted across Nigeria, highlighting growing concerns over the scale of fake products circulating in the country.
The agency said its enforcement operations have also uncovered large quantities of falsified and substandard medicines, including products containing the wrong ingredients, inadequate active substances or no active ingredients at all, raising fresh concerns over threats to public health and consumer safety.
Speaking during activities marking International Anti-Counterfeit Month in June 2026, NAFDAC explained that counterfeit cosmetics remain the most frequently seized category, with food and beverage products also accounting for a significant share of confiscated goods.
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The media reports that the regulator is increasingly worried about sophisticated methods being used by criminal networks to introduce fake products into the Nigerian market. According to the agency, digital procurement systems now allow individuals to order counterfeit goods directly from foreign manufacturers, while shared cargo arrangements make it more difficult for authorities to detect suspicious imports.
NAFDAC said some overseas suppliers closely monitor products with strong demand in Nigeria and arrange the production of imitations, particularly in parts of Asia. These products are often packaged to resemble genuine brands, making it difficult for consumers and retailers to distinguish authentic items from counterfeits.
The agency noted that the growing use of logistics services and consolidated shipping systems has created additional challenges for regulators, describing the development as a broader security concern affecting not only medicines but other regulated products.
To strengthen oversight, NAFDAC said it has expanded cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security and regulatory agencies. The regulator is also improving product verification mechanisms designed to help manufacturers confirm the authenticity and origin of imported consignments.
The agency stressed that tackling counterfeit products requires the involvement of government institutions, manufacturers, importers, logistics operators, healthcare professionals, the media and consumers.
NAFDAC also acknowledged faster prosecution of drug-related offences by the judiciary, revealing that several convictions have been secured over the past year, including a recent case in which a suspect received a 40-year prison sentence following the conclusion of proceedings that began late last year.
The regulator urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, purchase medicines and other regulated products only from authorised outlets, make use of available authentication tools and promptly report suspected counterfeit products to relevant authorities.
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