Nigerians are facing serious health risks from consuming fake goods, while industries are currently taking an economic hit, as doctors raise the alarm over unwholesome consumer goods caused by counterfeiting.
The PUNCH reported that online discourse surrounding the rise of fake items reached a fever pitch over the past weekend. Nigerians, including influencers like Scott Iguma and Aproko Doctor, raised the alarm over the rise of these counterfeited materials. Social media posts have gone viral about fake toothpastes, creams, contaminated bottled water and adulterated yoghurt drinks.
Health influencer Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, called for stronger regulation on the X platform. He said, “The whole conversation around fake products is exactly why we advocate frequently for regulation. You cannot expect the average Nigerian to be a food scientist, pharmacist, chemist, and product inspector before they can safely buy toothpaste, food, or medicine.”
He called on the agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, stating, “The market needs to be properly regulated, fake products need to be taken off the shelves, and people putting Nigerians’ lives at risk need to be held accountable. We should not have to gamble with our health every time we go to the market.”
