The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for stronger action against the production and sale of fake, adulterated and improperly labelled food and drinks, raising concerns about consumer safety and the need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
The lawmakers want relevant government agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to intensify efforts to identify unsafe products, investigate offenders and prevent harmful goods from reaching consumers.
The call comes amid continuing concerns about the circulation of counterfeit products in Nigerian markets, where consumers may find it difficult to distinguish genuine food and beverages from items that have been tampered with or manufactured under unsafe conditions.
Why the issue matters
Fake and adulterated food products can pose serious health risks, particularly when they contain undeclared ingredients, harmful substances or contaminants. Products sold in damaged packaging or under misleading labels may also prevent consumers from knowing what they are purchasing.
For households already managing rising living costs, the availability of cheap counterfeit goods can make the problem more difficult. A product that appears affordable may ultimately expose consumers to health risks or financial losses.
The situation also affects legitimate manufacturers and retailers, who must compete with sellers offering counterfeit products that may be produced without meeting the same safety and quality requirements.
What lawmakers want government agencies to do
The House is urging regulators to strengthen market surveillance, investigate suspected counterfeit products and ensure that businesses found violating safety regulations face appropriate consequences.
NAFDAC is responsible for regulating food, drugs and other products within its mandate, while SON oversees standards for products and services. Effective cooperation between these agencies is important because counterfeit goods may enter the supply chain at different stages, from manufacturing and packaging to distribution and retail.
What consumers should watch out for
Consumers are advised to purchase food and drinks from reputable sellers, check packaging and expiry dates, and avoid products with broken seals, suspicious labels or unusual changes in appearance or smell.
Suspicious products should be reported to the appropriate authorities rather than consumed or resold.
The lawmakers’ demand highlights the importance of stronger enforcement, but the impact will depend on whether the call leads to effective inspections, investigations and action against offenders.
