NAFDAC Uncovers Chinese Counterfeit Operations in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns about a new trend in Nigeria's counterfeit product issue, revealing that some Chinese nationals involved in counterfeiting have set up operations within the country. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, stated that these counterfeiters no longer need to import products from China, as they have established logistics networks in Nigeria.

NAFDAC has been actively shutting down these logistics companies and has received complaints about counterfeit toothpaste brands, particularly Oral B and Colgate. Iluyomade confirmed that the agency is prosecuting two individuals for importing fake toothpaste and has made numerous arrests and seizures across various states, including Kano, Sokoto, Delta, and Anambra.

He noted that from June 2025 to June 2026, NAFDAC achieved a record 64 convictions, the highest in its history, including a five-year imprisonment sentence for a lab that counterfeited drinks.