Outrage over fake consumer products across Nigeria

Nigerians have expressed their concerns on social media regarding the growing prevalence of counterfeit consumer goods in markets and stores across the country.

The discussion was initiated by a user named @Aimalohi6, who brought attention to a particular soy sauce brand that has recently been flooded with knockoffs. In their tweet, they highlighted the existence of various fake versions of the brand, such as AMOYS, AMOI, AMQY, and AMOY’c, emphasizing that the genuine brand is simply AMOY without any additional letters.

They also expressed their frustration at not knowing where to find the original product, as even reputable stores are selling the counterfeits. This post gained significant attention on Monday, with many consumers sharing pictures of the fake products they had unknowingly purchased from supermarkets.

Additionally, other Twitter users began sharing examples of counterfeit wine brands, non-alcoholic beverages, chocolates, toothpaste, soap, milk, and various other household goods. Netizens are now calling for a national investigation into the surge of counterfeit goods, urging the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, along with other relevant agencies, to take action.

They emphasize that not only are these counterfeit products a threat to the beverage industry, but also to the safety of consumers, as the ingredients used in cooking can potentially be harmful.

The user @Aimalohi6 specifically called upon the attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, urging them to address the issue and protect the food industry by cracking down on these counterfeit brands.

Popular Medical Doctor and influencer, Dr Chinonso Egemba, @aproko_doctor also wrote,  “Yes, drinking water is perfect for you but giving people fake soda and alcohol is wickedness. There’s a need to clamp down further on these people, this is most likely just the tip of an entire syndicate. No quality control, harmful materials etc.”

Another X user, @enodamade wrote, “It’s time for NAFDAC and SON to rise to the occasion and sanitise our consumption space!
We are dying needless deaths because of these fake products!”

The trend of fake goods being marketed to Nigerian consumers as real has continued to raise concerns in recent times.

Earlier in December, Daniel Benson, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer professionally known as BNXN threatened to call out certain clubs serving fake drinks.

“Respect my health, respect my money. Give me what I pay for. If you don’t have it, don’t bring a fake one. The next club or lounge that does this to me, I promise I will take that microphone from the hypeman and let you know,” he tweeted.

Last week, NAFDAC officials shut down the Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State and arrested 10 suspects allegedly involved in the production of adulterated beverages.

Speaking with newsmen after the raid, the Director of, the Southeast Zone of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade compared the actions of the suspects to terrorism.

He said, “What’s happening here at Cemetery Market, Aba is worse than Boko Haram.

“We saw how many shops were converted into manufacturing centres for all manner of wines, expensive drinks, and revalidation of the expiry date of products.

“We have the cooperation of the state government and so far we have discovered 240 shops used for this illegal manufacturing of fake consumables and about 10 persons have been arrested and the arrests are still ongoing.”