NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Cosmetics, Food Dominate Fake Goods Market in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that cosmetics, food, and beverages account for more than 50 per cent of counterfeit products circulating in Nigeria, highlighting the growing threat posed by fake and substandard goods.

The agency warned that the trend poses serious risks to public health, as counterfeit products often fail to meet safety and quality standards required for human consumption and use.

NAFDAC has intensified enforcement efforts in recent months, uncovering several warehouses stocked with fake, banned, and unregistered products across the country. In one of its major operations, the agency seized counterfeit and unregistered cosmetic products worth over N3 billion in Lagos.

The agency noted that counterfeit cosmetics, food items, and beverages remain among the most commonly falsified products due to high consumer demand and the lucrative nature of the illegal trade.

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant when purchasing regulated products and advised consumers to buy only from trusted sources while verifying product registration details.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through stricter market surveillance, enforcement actions, and collaboration with stakeholders to curb the spread of counterfeit goods nationwide.