The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s growing counterfeit goods crisis, saying some Chinese nationals allegedly involved in counterfeiting have established production and distribution networks within the country.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, disclosed that recent investigations uncovered Chinese-linked operations involved in the production, movement and distribution of fake and substandard products in Nigeria.
According to the agency, counterfeiters are increasingly exploiting local logistics networks, making it easier to distribute adulterated products to unsuspecting consumers without relying entirely on imports.
The disclosure comes amid growing public concern over fake toothpaste, cosmetics, medicines, contaminated beverages and other products circulating in Nigerian markets. NAFDAC said it had received complaints over counterfeit versions of popular toothpaste brands and had carried out arrests and seizures in several states, including Kano, Sokoto, Delta and Anambra.
The agency said two suspects are currently facing prosecution over the alleged importation of counterfeit toothpaste.
NAFDAC has also intensified its nationwide enforcement campaign. Between May and July 2026, its post-market surveillance teams reportedly visited more than 6,200 facilities and removed over 7,000 suspicious or unregistered products from circulation.
The regulator said its crackdown has also resulted in a record 64 convictions between June 2025 and June 2026.
NAFDAC has urged consumers to purchase regulated products only from approved outlets and to report suspected counterfeit goods to the agency.
The latest development has renewed calls for stronger border controls, improved supply-chain monitoring and tougher prosecution of those involved in the manufacture and distribution of fake products, which pose serious risks to public health and legitimate businesses.