The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (
NAFDAC) is under increased scrutiny as Nigerians express growing concerns about the proliferation of fake products in the country’s markets. Over the last 48 hours, Nigerians have taken to the X platform to share their experiences with counterfeit goods, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.
Somto Okonkwo, a prominent social media user, sounded the alarm regarding the circulation of fake rice in the country, particularly as the festive season approaches. Through the X platform, Okonkwo urged fellow Nigerians to exercise caution and be vigilant about the products they purchase, emphasizing the prevalence of counterfeit items in the market.
“Fake Rice In Circulation: Watch out for the kind of rice you’re buying this festive season in Nigeria. There are so many fake products out there. Stay safe,” Okonkwo posted on the X platform.
Japheth Omajuwa, a public analyst, joined the conversation, emphasizing that the country is witnessing loss of lives due to dangerous counterfeit products. He expressed frustration with the system, noting that there are more incentives to break the law in Nigeria, and the perpetrators of counterfeit goods often face inadequate consequences.
Omajuwa cited a case where authorities caught an individual red-handed cooking meth in the heart of Lagos. Despite being convicted, the individual received what he deemed a lenient punishment – a 4 million Naira fine. The public analyst highlighted the need for stricter enforcement and penalties to deter individuals engaged in illegal activities.
He stated on his X handle, “
“The authorities caught a man cooking meth red-handed. He had a whole lab in the heart of Lagos. He got convicted and was handed the grace of an N4 miilion fine. He’d pay that from 15 minutes of cooking.“And everyone knows he’d be back with a bigger lab and a lot more boldness. He now knows he can afford the worst-case scenario.
“This meth case and the prevalence of fake everything from alcohol to drugs are tied to the above. Those behind these cartels know they won’t get caught, and they know that their worst-case scenario isn’t jail.
“There are more incentives to break the law, and the system appears to punish those who stick by the rules. This is a bloody tragedy in every sense. There are more incentives to break the law, and the system appears to punish those who stick by the rules. This is a bloody tragedy in every sense.
“We are losing lives to things that have no business killing people, and the perpetrators have the cover of the law”, he said on his X handle.“
The concerns over fake products come on the heels of a recent operation by NAFDAC operatives who busted a syndicate specializing in producing counterfeit wines, soft drinks, and other consumables in Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State. The discovery underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of the proliferation of counterfeit goods and enhance regulatory measures.
As Nigerians raise their voices against the influx of fake products, the spotlight is on NAFDAC to intensify its efforts in combating counterfeit goods, safeguarding public health, and ensuring the safety of consumers across the nation.
