In a recent surge of action against counterfeit products in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its crackdown on the sale of fake goods in popular supermarkets and markets across Abuja. Over a three-day operation, officials targeted establishments, including Sahad Stores and H-Medix, seizing counterfeit goods worth approximately 50 million naira. This operation is just the latest in a series of efforts to address a problem that poses a significant risk, especially to women and children in the region.
Fake goods, ranging from cosmetics to household cleaning agents like Jik bleach and Airwick fresheners, have infiltrated the market. Not only are these substandard products sold at higher prices than their genuine counterparts, but they also carry severe health risks. Counterfeit cosmetics and drugs can cause critical health issues such as cancer, kidney damage, and severe skin rashes.
The implications of these health risks are particularly severe for women and children, who are often the primary consumers of such products. Women use cosmetics more frequently, exposing them to harmful chemicals in counterfeit makeup and skincare products. Children, whose bodies are still developing, are highly vulnerable to toxins present in fake drugs and household products. The impact on these groups is not just physical but also emotional, as the stress and trauma associated with health complications can have long-lasting effects on family stability and personal well-being.
Counterfeit goods, often masquerading under trusted brand names like NIVEA, not only deceive consumers but also endanger their health. Mr. Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, Head of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, emphasized the criminality of selling these products, which are sometimes more expensive than genuine ones. “These counterfeit products could cause cancer, damage the kidney, and induce rashes,” he warned.
NAFDAC’s proactive measures, including public awareness campaigns about the dangers of fake products and urging vigilance in purchasing habits, are crucial. However, the battle is far from over. The agency has called for community support in reporting suspicious products and has vowed to pursue the criminal networks behind these dangerous counterfeits. This ongoing issue underscores the need to enforce stricter regulations and enhance enforcement efforts to protect the health and safety of the Nigerian public, particularly vulnerable populations like women and children.
For now, officials urge residents of Abuja and beyond to “shine their eyes”—a local phrase for staying vigilant—and to verify the products they purchase, thus safeguarding their families’ health against the hidden dangers of counterfeit goods.
