By Oluwakemi Kindness
The House of Representatives has moved to intensify the nationwide crackdown on fake, adulterated and substandard food and beverages, warning that unsafe products pose serious health risks to Nigerians.
The move followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Makki Yalleman, calling for tougher enforcement against manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers involved in the production and sale of unsafe food and drinks.
The motion, considered by the House on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to treat the production and circulation of counterfeit and substandard food products as a matter of urgent national importance.
It called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to strengthen nationwide surveillance, inspections, product sampling, laboratory testing and enforcement operations.
The agencies were also urged to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, state governments and other relevant authorities to curb the circulation of dangerous products.
As part of the proposed measures, relevant House committees overseeing health, industry, customs, standards and consumer protection would engage regulators and other stakeholders to assess the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of existing enforcement mechanisms.
The committees are expected to submit their findings within four weeks and periodically review the progress made by the responsible agencies.
To highlight the seriousness of the situation, the motion cited recent enforcement operations, including NAFDAC’s dismantling of an alleged illegal alcohol counterfeiting syndicate at Zamfara Plaza on Lagos Island on April 22, 2026.
It also referenced a September 22, 2026, raid by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on an alleged illegal and unregistered fruit juice factory in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to the motion, some operators counterfeit established brands, falsify product labels and expiry dates, use inferior or contaminated raw materials, and illegally refill or reuse containers.
These practices, the lawmakers warned, could expose consumers to foodborne illnesses, poisoning and other serious health complications, particularly among children, older persons and other vulnerable groups.
The motion also raised concerns about the falsification of critical product information, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, manufacturers’ details and ingredient declarations, which can prevent consumers from making informed choices.
While acknowledging the regulatory responsibilities of NAFDAC, SON and FCCPC, the lawmakers stressed the need for stronger implementation, improved coordination and more effective market surveillance.
The proposed measures aim to close enforcement gaps across the food and beverage supply chain, strengthen regulatory oversight and protect Nigerians from preventable health risks.
The House is seeking sustained government action to curb the production, distribution and sale of fake and substandard food products nationwide.
