Chinese syndicates behind surge in counterfeit products in Nigeria – NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has attributed the growing spread of fake, adulterated and unsafe consumer products in Nigeria to Chinese syndicates operating within the country.

Speaking on the development, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, said intelligence reports revealed that counterfeit networks have shifted from importing fake products to establishing production and distribution operations inside Nigeria.

According to Iluyomade, the syndicates now identify fast-selling products, send samples to China for replication, and distribute counterfeit versions through logistics companies under their control.

“Before, to fake a product, you needed to go to China to bring it. Now, they are here with us. They identify moving products, send samples to China, and distribute them locally through logistics companies they own,” he said.

He disclosed that NAFDAC has begun shutting down illegal logistics facilities linked to the foreign-led counterfeit network.

The agency’s warning comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of substandard products, including fake cosmetics, adulterated toothpaste, contaminated bottled water, and unsafe dairy products.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said enforcement operations carried out in Lagos and the South-East led to the seizure and destruction of fake and substandard products worth more than N1.5 trillion.

She further revealed that between June 2025 and June 2026, the agency secured 64 convictions against counterfeiters  the highest number recorded in its history.

The agency added that several suspects arrested in Kano, Sokoto, Delta, and Anambra states for allegedly importing and distributing counterfeit oral care products are currently facing prosecution in federal courts.