Title: The rise of counterfeits in the Nigerian market: a call to action
Introduction :
As the rest of the world prepares to begin a new year, many Nigerians are calling for a national investigation by relevant agencies into the rise in counterfeits in the market. Through online media, they are urging the National Agency for Food and Drugs (NAFDAC) to investigate and find solutions to this alarming increase in counterfeit products in Nigeria.
Counterfeit products worth $750,000, including beverages, packaged foods, medicines and toiletries, were recently destroyed by the agency. In recent months, NAFDAC has intercepted counterfeiters involved in the production of different beverages such as wine, soft drinks and other products at a market in Aba, Abia State, South East. country.
Rising trend of counterfeit products:
Some say the trend of counterfeit products has gripped Nigerian markets, with the discovery of as many as 40 counterfeit consumer products imitating popular brands. The trend gained momentum after Nigerians raised the alarm over the sale of fake liquor and wine in nightclubs in early December.
Impact on businesses and consumers:
The news has had an impact on businesses, as Ikechukwu Joseph, owner of a popular business in Wuse, Abuja, points out. However, this has not stopped consumers from purchasing products from the market. A customer of the market, Mrs. Rosemary, deplores that the current situation in the country favors this threat.
Public health risk:
A health expert says it is imperative to crack down harder on these counterfeiters because it can lead to an epidemic. Indeed, many non-communicable diseases increasingly affect young people, due to the daily consumption of contaminated products. The situation is all the more worrying as these counterfeiters are clever in their approach, offering their products at the same price as the authentic ones, or even at a higher price.
Call for immediate action:
NAFDAC admits that the counterfeiters’ illicit products reached Nigerian markets well before their intervention, leading to the closure of 240 clandestine manufacturing plants. It is therefore urgent to think about effective measures to stem this epidemic of counterfeits which threatens not only the national economy, but also the health of consumers.
Conclusion :
The rise of counterfeit products in the Nigerian market is a problem that cannot be ignored. Businesses are affected, consumers are at risk and public health is at risk. It is therefore imperative that the competent authorities take concrete measures to put an end to this worrying situation. A national investigation must be opened and stricter repressive measures must be put in place. Consumer safety and confidence in the market must be restored. Nigeria cannot afford to allow the counterfeiting industry to flourish.