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Nigeria's NAFDAC uncovers Chinese networks producing counterfeit goods locally
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has identified a growing threat from Chinese syndicates operating within Nigeria to produce and distribute counterfeit goods. These networks reportedly identify high-demand products, send samples to China for replication, and then use their own logistics companies to distribute the fakes locally.
In a nationwide surveillance operation conducted between May and July 2026, NAFDAC removed 7,210 non-compliant products from circulation, including food, water, medicines, and cosmetics. The agency has seized or destroyed over N1.54 trillion worth of substandard goods since 2023. Between June 2025 and June 2026, the agency secured 64 court convictions against counterfeiters.
Separately, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye highlighted that regulatory initiatives like the ‘5 Plus 5’ policy and the Ceiling List have successfully boosted local manufacturing. These policies have contributed to an increase in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nigeria, rising from 174 to 190. Additionally, the agency has addressed social concerns by linking excessive alcohol consumption to rising banditry and public health issues.
Entities
China · Martins Iluyomade · Mojisola Adeyeye · National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control · Nigeria
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] More than N1.54 trillion worth of counterfeit, substandard, and non-compliant goods have been seized or destroyed in Nigeria since 2023. phenomenal.com.ng · theglittersonline.com.ng
- [● 4 SOURCES] Chinese syndicates have established local production and logistics networks within Nigeria to distribute counterfeit products. dailyreport.ng · phenomenal.com.ng · theglittersonline.com.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] NAFDAC removed 7,210 regulated items, including food, water, medicines, and cosmetics, during a surveillance operation from May to July 2026. gwg.ng · insidebusiness.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] NAFDAC secured 64 convictions against counterfeiters between June 2025 and June 2026. dailyreport.ng
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nigeria increased from 174 to 190 due to NAFDAC's 5+5 policy and Ceiling List initiatives. primetimereporters.com