The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to intensify its crackdown on fake, adulterated and substandard food and beverages, warning that the products pose serious risks to the health of Nigerians.
The lawmakers made the call on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Abubakar Yalleman, who represents Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.
According to a report published by The PUNCH on October 20, 2026, Yalleman warned that the circulation of counterfeit and unsafe consumables threatened public health and consumer protection.
He said access to safe and quality food and beverages was essential to the health, well-being and productivity of Nigerians, adding that proper processing methods and hygiene standards were necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses.
The lawmaker identified the counterfeiting of established brands, alteration of product labels and expiry dates, use of contaminated raw materials, illegal refilling of containers and production outside approved standards as some of the practices endangering consumers.
He warned that exposure to contaminated or adulterated products could result in acute poisoning and other serious health complications, including damage to vital organs.
The House called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to strengthen surveillance, inspections, laboratory testing and enforcement against offenders.
It also urged greater collaboration among the agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Customs Service and state governments to identify and dismantle networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit food and beverages.
Yalleman cited enforcement operations in Lagos State to illustrate the scale of the problem.
On April 22, 2026, NAFDAC announced the dismantling of illegal alcohol production outlets in Lagos, with counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic products valued at approximately ₦350 million seized during raids at Zamfara Plaza, the Trade Fair Complex and parts of Lagos Island.
In a separate incident on September 22, 2026, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps raided an illegal, unregistered fruit juice factory in Badagry, Lagos State, according to reports cited during the House proceedings.
The lawmakers stressed the need for a more coordinated and preventive approach to food safety, including the use of technology to improve product detection and regulatory surveillance.
They also called for stronger enforcement against individuals and businesses that violate food safety standards, arguing that routine inspections alone were insufficient to address the problem.
The resolution places renewed pressure on Nigeria’s regulatory agencies to strengthen consumer protection and prevent unsafe products from reaching markets and shops across the country.
