‘NAFDAC should wake up’ — shock, outrage over fake products in circulation

In the last few hours, Nigerians have taken to social media to share their experience with fake products and called for actions from the regulatory bodies.

Over the weekend, officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) cracked down on fake wine factories in Abia state, shutting down several illegal markets suspected of selling adulterated beverages.

In a statement on Monday, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC director-general, said after an intelligence tip-off, the agency discovered that the “dastard activity has been going on for a long time and they operate like a cartel threatening anyone who dares challenge them”.

From fake drinks, drugs, cooking sauce, beverages to alcohols, the list is endless.

While some X users said NAFDAC did a great job in the past, some called on the agency to step up their regulation of products.

“Since Dora Akunyili left us alone in this evil world, we’ve been eating and drinking fake products. That woman looked out for us for real. Top 5 Nigerian to ever exist,” Imoh Umoren, a Nollywood film director, shared his view on X.

Below are reactions from X.

NAFDAC was one of the organisations I studied for my PhD between 2009 and 2012.

I had the privilege of interviewing the late, great, Prof Dora Akunyili. I remember the interview as if it happened yesterday because I interviewed her at home and she insisted on cooking breakfast…

— Dr Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) December 19, 2023

Late Dora Akunyili former head of NAFDAC who fought against fake drugs and products speaking on how to make Nigeria ???????? better.

She fought big companies and cartel and ended up losing her life for a better Nigeria ????????

Rest on legend ????️

pic.twitter.com/Tp0vubGsKh

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) December 19, 2023

Jokes apart, this is a national emergency, and if we are serious, the heads of NAFDAC and SON should be summoned to the Villa immediately, but yea, probably not happening. ????????‍♀️

— ‘Lami Apejoye (@MsLami_A) December 18, 2023

The main reason fake products are widespread in Nigeria is because NAFDAC is largely a toothless dog.

In fact, many NAFDAC officials are in cahoots with manufacturers of fake products.

— Nicholas 'The Brave' Ibekwe (@nicholasibekwe) December 18, 2023

NDLEA, NAFDAC, and SON should all be under General Buba Marwa ????

— Adamu Hayatu® (@AHayatu) December 19, 2023

NAFDAC can't keep up with this… No government agency can, even if all their staff were incorruptible and above being bribed..
There needs to be a solid whistleblowing strategy that activates citizens policing..
Anything else is not going to work to stop these murderers. https://t.co/UVvzdE57pa

— David Abdulrazak Atta (@the_davidatta) December 18, 2023

Immediate Rejig of NAFDAC & SON higher echelon will be of great benefit to Nigerians. The FG should do the needful to save the country from Fake products

— UNCLE DEJI™️ (@DejiAdesogan) December 19, 2023

By the time we eventually realize how badly infested Nigerian markets are with adulterated and repackaged expired products, there'll be nothing left for us to consume.

For a clearer perspective, just start counting the number of years from when Dora Akunyili left NAFDAC.

Yup!

— Demola Of Lagos ???? (@OmoGbajaBiamila) December 18, 2023

Since Dora Akunyili left us alone in this evil world, we’ve been eating and drinking fake products Cuz. That woman looked out for us for real. Top 5 Nigerian to ever exist

— Imoh (@imohumoren) December 18, 2023

NAFDAC Number should be digitalized.

I should be able to check the authenticity of a product/Brand from the comfort of my home.

— Thεό Abu (@TheoAbuAgada) December 18, 2023

This NAFDAC director's energy is too low for an agency as critical as this. NAFDAC is clearly not doing enough. The agency is too laid back and that can only be attributed to the leadership of the agency.

— Steve M. Ozoba (@Donsteve0106) December 18, 2023

NAFDAC should wake up. That's just a tip of the iceberg. What's happening across the country is frightening. Fake products, especially drugs abound. Unfortunately the agency has been sleeping and enjoying the cozy office environment while citizens are at the mercy of criminals…

— Sunny Angel (@Pauly2570) December 18, 2023

NAFDAC should wake up. That's just a tip of the iceberg. What's happening across the country is frightening. Fake products, especially drugs abound. Unfortunately the agency has been sleeping and enjoying the cozy office environment while citizens are at the mercy of criminals…

— Sunny Angel (@Pauly2570) December 18, 2023

Dear President Tinubu,

Please! NAFDAC @NafdacAgency needs more enhancement and upgrade. It needs to be more revered than even efcc. Because there’s a deliberate attempt to poison and destroy every single citizens in Nigeria by selling fake products.

They are committing…

— Ainà Dipo ???????? (@dipoaina1) December 19, 2023

We are humorous about a lot of things here
But the fake or counterfeit products are scary.
Why would people do this for gain?
Why aren't NAFDAC doing something about it?
Imagine the health complications or death?
Please be careful out there.
Watch what you eat or drink.

— Stilo (@AyoStiloOniGAPS) December 19, 2023

???????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????????…

40% of all drinks, wine, alcohol, packaged food, electrical parts, phone chargers, spare parts, drugs like paracetamol and postinor, engine oil, bottled water etc. are all fake products manufactured in place like Aba and Onistha.… pic.twitter.com/TAFEzrTr0G

— CitizenOlu (@jagabanolu) December 19, 2023

Consuming fake products and getting sick, only to treat yourself with fake drugs is one hell of a ride.

Are you recovering or dying slowly?

— Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) December 19, 2023

Everyone need to be careful with these fake products now. See what i found inside soy sauce just now. Watch till the end ???????????? https://t.co/VNqyMUQkMi pic.twitter.com/QLMHPPPtnM

— Lola Okunrin (@lollypeezle) December 18, 2023

Avoid processed food.

You think, I'm doing this for myself.

Fake products everywhere.

Imagine that the original is bad for you, come to think of fake. pic.twitter.com/pi7HqhL8hb

— Doctor Of The Future™ (@g_diets_) December 19, 2023