The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disclosed that cosmetics, food and beverage products account for more than 50 per cent of counterfeit and substandard goods circulating in Nigeria, raising concerns over the growing threat to public health and consumer safety.
The agency said counterfeiters have increasingly targeted products that are widely consumed or used daily by Nigerians, making the fight against fake and unregistered goods a major regulatory challenge. The development comes amid intensified enforcement operations by NAFDAC across the country aimed at removing harmful products from the market.
According to NAFDAC, counterfeit cosmetics remain one of the most commonly falsified products, with illegal manufacturers producing and distributing fake skin creams, soaps, lotions and other beauty items that often contain harmful substances capable of causing serious health complications. Recent raids by the agency led to the seizure of banned, counterfeit and unregistered cosmetic products worth more than ₦3 billion in Lagos.
The agency also noted that food and beverage products are increasingly being targeted by counterfeiters through the repackaging of expired goods, product adulteration and the use of fake labels to deceive consumers. In one enforcement operation in Niger State, NAFDAC uncovered large quantities of expired beverages, dairy products, bottled water and other food items valued at over ₦100 million.
NAFDAC has repeatedly warned that the consumption of counterfeit food, beverages and cosmetics poses significant health risks, including food poisoning, organ damage, skin disorders and other life-threatening conditions. The agency has urged consumers to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of products before purchase.
The regulator said it is strengthening surveillance, market inspections and intelligence-led enforcement operations to curb the proliferation of fake products. It also encouraged manufacturers, distributors and members of the public to report suspicious products and activities to the agency.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, has consistently stressed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health through the regulation of food, drugs, cosmetics and other consumer products. Recent operations have resulted in the seizure and destruction of billions of naira worth of substandard, falsified and expired products across the country.
Industry stakeholders have called for greater public awareness, stronger border controls and tougher sanctions against counterfeiters, noting that the illicit trade not only endangers lives but also undermines legitimate businesses and government revenue.
NAFDAC said it will continue its crackdown on counterfeit products as part of broader efforts to safeguard consumers and ensure that only safe and quality regulated products are available in the Nigerian market.
