Footage shared on social media has sparked widespread outrage after it appeared to show market workers applying a substance resembling polish to fish skins, prompting concerns about food safety and calls for consumers to wash fish thoroughly before use.
The video has attracted criticism from social media users, many of whom expressed fears about the safety and quality of food products sold in Nigerian markets.
The development has also reignited conversations about food handling practices and the circulation of potentially unsafe food items in the country. Some users condemned the alleged practice, while others questioned whether the substance was polish or a type of preservative.
Studies have detected bacteria, fungi and toxins in some market fish samples at levels exceeding recommended limits. A recent report also highlighted concerns over substandard fish shipments abroad.
However, the substance shown in the viral footage has not been independently identified, and there has been no publicly reported response from relevant regulatory agencies regarding the incident.
Consumers are advised to purchase fish from trusted sellers, inspect products carefully and follow appropriate food preparation and cooking practices. Washing alone may not eliminate certain chemical contaminants or toxins, making proper sourcing and safe handling essential.
Watch the video below:
Just look at this! These guys are allegedly using black shoe polish to make dry fish look shiny and more attractive.
Please be careful about where you buy your food and what you eat. Not everyone prioritises your health, and some people may go to extreme lengths for money. Stay alert and protect yourself! 🙏
#FoodSafety #StayAlert #ConsumerAwareness #HealthFirst #Nigeria
— NewsClick Nigeria Media (@NewsClickng) October 16, 2026
Here are some reactions from users on X:
Ỿ³ (@MaxJriii1): when they tell una say, they want reduce pupolation for African wetin una think. Firstly these people been no sabi this kind thing na person teach them.
finbarr™️ (@emeriefinbarr): Ppl have lost their minds over making this money, at what cost?
♢ (@3miasmic): Yes, truly truly it looks like they are polishing the fishes which is 100% unacceptable and they should be arrested if true but you have to think otherwise too, what if they are simply applying preservatives? Did y’all think about that too? As you de think front, think back too.
Brutal Nuel (@Brutal_Nuel): It’s like they’re being paid to do this evil. #evil
Chukwumezie Oshigbo (@Chukwumezi61530): Love of money has killed the humanity in a mankind. These too ingrate need to be arrested and deserve no messy.
Eyes of the Gods (@DrEzemmuo): If you want to live long in Nigeria. Grow your food because everyone has lot there mind. This wickedness.
Uchechika Erem (@UchechikaE): Not even charcoal? Polish? Omo we are in trouble.
Shina Ayomi (@ShinaAyomtalk): Wetin person won con dey eat like this.
D_ayos_couture (@AyoDubem): That’s why I use hot water and salt to soak my fish before cooking oh.
Simply Oma (@IheomaOnye): Is it that, this people don’t know the consequences of what they’re doing or what? God!!!
Emeka Ofokansi (@Emikind_empire): Wickedness in the highest level.
Legacy (@Hunterbet001): If you be person way like enjoyment for this country you won’t leave long.
Adamson (@osifilaadamson): Is this also poverty? We are just inherently wicked as a people. I stand my ground on this.
Tanko Jawula Dramani®️ (@afternoon_233): An evil country full of evil people.
St-Judas (@Boltguy4): That thing is groundnut oil to make it shine and not look too dry. The foam they are using is black because of the fish smoke.
STACEY’S LUXURY (@STACEYLUXUbs): God Abeg.