Chinese syndicates behind surge in counterfeit products in Nigeria – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reported a significant increase in the proliferation of counterfeit, adulterated, and unsafe consumer products in Nigeria, blaming Chinese syndicates for the trend.
Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, stated that intelligence indicates these counterfeit networks have transitioned from importing fake goods to establishing domestic production and distribution operations.
“They now identify popular products, send samples to China for replication, and then distribute the counterfeit items through logistics companies that they control,” Iluyomade explained. “Previously, fakers had to import products from China, but now they are operating here in Nigeria.”
In response to the rising threat, NAFDAC has initiated the shutdown of illegal logistics facilities linked to these syndicates. The agency has issued warnings regarding the increasing circulation of substandard products, including counterfeit cosmetics, adulterated toothpaste, contaminated bottled water, and unsafe dairy items.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, highlighted recent enforcement operations in Lagos and the Southeast, which resulted in the seizure and destruction of counterfeit goods valued at over N1.5 trillion.
Adeyeye noted that between June 2025 and June 2026, NAFDAC secured 64 convictions against counterfeiters, a record high for the agency.
In addition, several suspects have been arrested in Kano, Sokoto, Delta, and Anambra states for allegedly importing and distributing counterfeit oral care products, and they are currently facing prosecution in federal courts.
