NAFDAC blames Chinese syndicates for rise in fake products across Nigeria
NAFDAC says Chinese syndicates operating in Nigeria are behind the surge in counterfeit goods, shifting from importing fakes to local production. The syndicates identify fast‑selling items, send samples to China for replication, then distribute the copies through logistics firms they control. NAFDAC has begun shutting down these illegal logistics hubs and, in Lagos and the South‑East, seized and destroyed fake and substandard products worth over ₦1.5 trillion. Between June 2025 and June 2026 the agency recorded 64 convictions against counterfeiters—the highest ever—and suspects arrested in Kano, Sokoto, Delta and Anambra for alleged counterfeit oral‑care products are now facing federal prosecution. The fake range includes cosmetics, toothpaste, bottled water and dairy. Consumers should check for NAFDAC registration numbers, buy from authorised outlets, and report suspicious products to NAFDAC’s hotline (0800-NAFDAC) or via its website. Staying vigilant helps curb the spread of unsafe goods and protects health and wallet. The agency also advises checking product packaging for signs of poor quality, such as misspelled labels or unusual prices, before purchase.