‘Your brothers are outworking NAFDAC,’ Famakin says on fake products

Popular Nigerian food critic Opeyemi Famakin has criticised the proliferation of fake and substandard consumer products in Nigeria, urging members of the Igbo community to hold those involved in the practice accountable.

Famakin made the remarks in a viral video shared on his official Instagram page, where he acknowledged the Igbo people’s business acumen but called for greater responsibility in tackling the problem, stating that, in his view, the Igbo people ranked highest in the production of counterfeit consumables.

In the video, he said the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was making efforts to combat counterfeit products but suggested that those producing and distributing fake goods were outpacing the regulator, declaring, “Your people are outworking NAFDAC.”

His comments come amid concerns over counterfeit food items, beverages, cosmetics, medicines and other consumer products in Nigerian markets, although allegations involving specific products require independent verification.

Data from NAFDAC’s enforcement activities illustrate the scale of the challenge, with the agency reporting 474 new cases involving regulated products, 821 product seizure entries and 213 raids between January and August 2026, alongside 179 establishments sealed and 52 arrests.

In a separate disclosure, NAFDAC said it had destroyed or seized counterfeit and substandard products worth more than ₦1.54 trillion nationwide since 2023, highlighting the scale of enforcement against unsafe and unregistered goods.

Famakin also claimed in the video that available data showed Igbo people suffered more from kidney problems, saying, “Ask your doctor friends and you will discover that you guys (Igbo people) suffer more from kidney issues.”

Meanwhile, NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to verify product safety concerns through official alerts and regulatory investigations rather than relying solely on viral social media posts, while consumers are encouraged to check registration details and report suspected counterfeit goods.

Famakin’s remarks have renewed debate about consumer protection and the responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, traders and communities in curbing counterfeit products, with stronger monitoring, public awareness and accountability remaining crucial to protecting Nigerians.