The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has identified cosmetics, food products and beverages as the leading categories of counterfeit goods circulating in Nigeria, accounting for more than half of all fake products seized by the agency.
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 International Anti-Counterfeit Month, NAFDAC said its enforcement operations across the country continue to uncover large quantities of falsified consumer products, including medicines that fail to meet safety standards.
The agency expressed concern over the growing sophistication of counterfeit networks, noting that criminals now leverage online platforms and international supply chains to bring fake products into the Nigerian market with ease.
NAFDAC explained that shared cargo shipments have become a major challenge for regulators, as multiple importers often use the same container, making it harder to trace suspicious consignments.
The agency also revealed that counterfeiters frequently replicate the appearance of genuine brands, making it difficult for consumers and retailers to spot fake products.
To curb the menace, NAFDAC said it is strengthening collaboration with customs authorities and other security agencies while improving systems for verifying imported goods.
The agency stressed that tackling counterfeit products requires collective action from government institutions, manufacturers, healthcare professionals, logistics firms, the media and consumers.
NAFDAC further commended the judiciary for supporting the fight against counterfeit medicines through speedy trials and convictions, adding that several offenders have already been jailed.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by purchasing regulated products from authorised outlets and reporting suspicious items to the appropriate authorities.