Counterfeit Crisis: NAFDAC Blames Chinese Dealers Amid Backlash

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has linked Chinese counterfeiters operating in Nigeria to the growing production, distribution and sale of fake, adulterated and substandard products across the country.

The disclosure comes amid mounting concerns from manufacturers, medical professionals and economists over the increasing circulation of counterfeit goods, which they say is threatening legitimate businesses, consumer safety and economic growth.

NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency had identified Chinese nationals living in Nigeria among those involved in counterfeit activities and described the development as a serious challenge requiring stronger enforcement.

She disclosed that NAFDAC had destroyed or seized counterfeit and substandard regulated products worth more than ₦1.54tn nationwide since 2023.

A major operation conducted across Lagos and the South-East between February and March 2025 resulted in the seizure and destruction of more than 137 truckloads of counterfeit and substandard products, with an estimated value exceeding ₦1.5tn.

The agency carried out simultaneous raids at Idumota in Lagos, Onitsha in Anambra State and Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State.

Adeyeye said the scale of the seizures demonstrated the sophistication and reach of the counterfeit trade, warning that fake products posed serious risks to public health and legitimate manufacturers.

The agency has also intensified surveillance and enforcement activities across the country. Between May and July 2026, its Post-Market Surveillance Directorate visited 6,233 facilities and removed 7,210 brands and products from circulation.

The products covered several categories, including food and water, medicines, herbal products, medical devices, cosmetics, vaccines, healthcare products and chemicals.

Food and water products accounted for the largest number of items removed, with 3,633 products recovered from 1,808 facilities. The drugs and herbal-products sector recorded the highest number of facilities visited, with 2,084 facilities yielding 2,459 products.

NAFDAC has also secured 64 convictions for counterfeiting, with offenders receiving prison sentences ranging from one to seven years without the option of a fine.

The agency has vowed to intensify enforcement against counterfeiters and criminal networks while working with other government institutions and security agencies.

The development comes as pressure mounts on regulators to do more to protect consumers and local manufacturers from the increasing influx and circulation of fake products in Nigerian markets.