The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, received 225 complaints about suspected counterfeit products in August, highlighting continued concerns over fake and unsafe goods in the Nigerian market.
Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC director general, disclosed this on Monday during a briefing with journalists on the agency’s efforts to tackle counterfeit, adulterated and unsafe products across the country. Adeyeye said complaints from members of the public remain an important source of information for the agency because they can help officials identify products that require further investigation.
“We received over 200 complaints from Nigerians monthly; in August we received 225 calls through NAFDAC complaint channel,” she said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
She encouraged Nigerians to report suspected counterfeit products directly to NAFDAC instead of depending mainly on social media to draw attention to such issues. Adeyeye explained that the agency has a 24 hour call centre and other channels through which members of the public can submit complaints. These reports are assessed to determine whether further investigation is necessary.
“Counterfeiters are not ghosts; they exist within our communities, neighbourhoods, and business premises,” she said.
The NAFDAC chief also addressed concerns about allegedly adulterated food products that have recently attracted attention in the media and on social media platforms. Some of the products mentioned in public discussions include yoghurt, palm oil, apples, soy sauce, olive oil, chicken, fish, water and beverages. However, Adeyeye warned that social media claims alone are not enough to confirm that a product is fake, contaminated or unsafe. She said proper scientific examination and regulatory investigation are necessary before reaching such conclusions.
“The strength of the publication could have been enhanced by a proper scientific evaluation rather than relying primarily on emotionally driven and perhaps commercially motivated social media narratives,” she said.
She explained that NAFDAC’s responsibilities in the food sector mainly cover processed and packaged products. Its duties include inspecting production facilities, collecting samples, conducting laboratory tests, monitoring compliance and investigating complaints. The agency also carries out product verification, recalls, post market surveillance and enforcement where necessary.
Adeyeye said the manufacture, distribution, importation, exportation, advertisement, sale or use of unregistered products under NAFDAC’s control is illegal under relevant Nigerian laws. She added that the agency has the authority to seize, recall or dispose of affected products when violations are confirmed.
The director general also clarified that NAFDAC does not have sole responsibility for every product recently identified in public discussions. She specifically mentioned imported agricultural products, explaining that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service handles products such as apples, grapes and oranges. She called for stronger cooperation between government agencies to improve food safety monitoring across the country.
Adeyeye also raised concerns about the adulteration of palm oil with azo dyes and other harmful substances, particularly palm oil sold in traditional packaging at open markets.
“The adulteration of palm oil with azo dyes and other hazardous contaminants has been observed, particularly in palm oil packaged and presented in traditional forms,” she said.
She also warned about the reported use of harmful substances in some staple foods.
“Fufu and other staple foods are also reported to be produced by adding bleach and other chemicals injurious to human health.”
According to Adeyeye, NAFDAC does not have “direct and absolute regulatory oversight” over unbranded palm oil, fufu and other traditionally packaged staple foods sold in open markets. She therefore urged state and local authorities to strengthen monitoring within their areas. The agency also continues to tackle the unsafe ripening of fruits. Adeyeye said NAFDAC has been working on the issue since 2018 through restrictions on calcium carbide, public awareness campaigns and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The agency’s latest warning reinforces the need for consumers to remain careful about the products they purchase and to report suspicious goods through official channels.
