NAFDAC don raise fresh alarm over the growing business of fake, adulterated and substandard products for Nigeria, as the agency reveal say some Chinese counterfeiters wey dey operate from outside Nigeria before don now enter the country and establish their own operations here.

According to NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, counterfeiters no longer need to stay for China before dem fit produce and distribute fake products for Nigerian market. He explain say some of them don establish production plants and logistics channels inside Nigeria, making it easier for fake goods to enter different parts of the country.

Iluyomade also reveal say some of the Chinese counterfeiters allegedly own logistics companies wey dem dey use to move fake products around the country. NAFDAC say e don begin shut down some of these companies as part of efforts to cut off the supply chain.

The agency’s revelation come at a time Nigerians dey increasingly complain about fake products, including toothpaste, creams, bottled water, yoghurt drinks and other everyday items wey fit pose serious danger to consumers.

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NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed say the agency destroyed regulated products worth more than ₦1.5 trillion during one coordinated operation across Lagos and the South-East between February and March 2025. Since 2023, NAFDAC say e don destroy or seize fake and substandard products worth over ₦1.54 trillion across the country.

The agency also confirm say e don receive complaints about counterfeit versions of popular toothpaste brands, including Oral-B and Colgate. NAFDAC say investigations don already lead to arrests and seizures in places including Kano, Sokoto, Delta and Onitsha.

According to Iluyomade, two people are currently facing prosecution in court over alleged importation of fake toothpaste brands.

NAFDAC also highlight its recent enforcement operations, including action against fake and unregistered products at Upper Iweka drug market in Onitsha.

The agency say e don also record its highest number of convictions against offenders. Between June 2025 and June 2026, NAFDAC secured 64 convictions, according to Iluyomade.

One recent case reportedly ended with a judge sentencing a company involved in counterfeiting drinks to five years imprisonment after the court found the accused guilty on all eight charges.

Manufacturers, health experts and economists don also warn say fake products no only dey put consumers’ lives at risk, but dey destroy genuine businesses, discourage investment and damage Nigeria economy.