The proliferation of counterfeit goods has increased pressure on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Nigerians have turned to social media to expose food, medications, cosmetics and other consumer products they believe are dangerous, substandard or fake.
Nigerians have questioned how such products continue to reach markets despite NAFDAC and SON’s legal mandates to regulate goods and protect consumers. The online campaign has also raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s regulatory system.
Although authorities have not fully verified some of the social media claims, the reports have heightened consumer anxiety and increased calls for stronger regulatory monitoring and enforcement.
Fake food, toothpaste, drink, drug
Findings by sources and our correspondents reveal that the online campaign gained significant momentum following the death of several prominent figures, including veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, who succumbed to cancer.
Furthermore, a rising wave of sudden death reports has heightened public concerns regarding potential links between these tragedies and the circulation of counterfeit products.
This also comes as the cases of cancers, kidney problem and other terminal illnesses continue to be on the rise at a very alarming rate among Nigerians.
In recent months, Nigerians across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have actively circulated educational videos highlighting fake goods within local markets.
These digital clips routinely feature market field investigations, side-by-side product comparisons, and practical guides to help consumers identify fraudulent items.
The movement has been propelled by everyday citizens, healthcare professionals, digital content creators, and regulatory agencies, elevating isolated warnings into a coordinated, viral public health campaign.
Some of the products largely associated in the most recent wave of fake products include Oral B toothpaste, Hollandia Yoghurt, sachet water, alcohol, wines and soda
Citizens Experiences with Fake Products
Somto Okonkwo, a Nigerian physician, shared a thorough comparison video of real and fake Oral-B tubes in September.
The video, which showed variations in texture, translucency, flavour, sealing, and package quality, was extensively reposted by many accounts.
In the clip, Okonkwo warned viewers of the possible risks by demonstrating how the counterfeit versions frequently have thicker, less translucent paste, a less minty flavour, and seals that are lacking from the originals.
Similarly, early in September, videos of fake Hollandia yoghurt being packaged in filthy conditions went viral.
Punch reports that accounts such as @_InsideNigeria and @KosoNwa1 shared the disturbing footage, questioning NAFDAC’s response and urging consumers to remain vigilant about product safety.
On September 4, Olufunmilayo shared images showing two paracetamol tablets that appeared to come from the same manufacturer but had distinctly different colours when placed side by side.
Several X users shared their own experiences and broader lists of suspected fake products. Their reports included dyed palm oil, painted apples changed from green to red, fake soy sauce and olive oil, inferior or counterfeit chicken and fish, fake water and soda, fake cocktails and alcohol, as well as Hollandia products with varying textures and flavours purchased from different locations.
Another X user, Timothy Mbamarah noted that some of these cases stem from the supply chains of the company.
NAFDAC, SON Face Criticism
An X user identified as Oluwole Olofintuyi (@OluOlofin1) , said the volume of counterfeit goods could indicate weaknesses in Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
Olofintuyi accused NAFDAC and SON of failing Nigerians and suggested that some regulators, importers and distributors could be involved in the spread of counterfeit goods.
Similarly, another user, Chinedu Samuel (@Chimextech) questioned NAFDAC’s effectiveness, adding that spread of counterfeit goods poses risks to both the economy and public health.
Other users and affected Nigerians have lent their voice and are demanding tighter prosecution of producers, importers, and distributors of counterfeit goods, as well as increased surveillance at ports, warehouses, markets, and internet sites.
However according to Punch, NAFDAC’s Head of Enforcement, Dr Martin Iluyomade, when contacted declined to comment
Meanwhile, less than twenty fours ago, NAFDAC issued a public alert via its official X handle on adulterated and substandard Medicines – NITRAS, KADIN 2, ACEFYL and LORATADINE 24 recalled by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)
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