Nigerians have expressed their dismay at the proliferation of fake consumer products in markets and shops across the country.
The discussion was initiated by a user, @Aimalohi6, who raised an alarm about the increasing number of counterfeit versions of a particular soy sauce brand in Nigeria.
The tweet highlighted, “New discovery there is AMOY, AMOYS, AMOI, AMQY, AMOY’c oyster sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce brands in Nigeria. The original brand is AMOY without the s. Every other brand is fake, good stores are selling the fakes. No idea where to get the original.”
The post gained traction as consumers shared images of fake products they unwittingly purchased from supermarkets.
Furthermore, other users shared instances of counterfeit versions of popular wine brands, non-alcoholic beverages, chocolates, toothpaste, soap, milk, and various household items.
Netizens urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant authorities to launch a national investigation into the surge of fake goods.
“Aside from drinks, ingredients used in cooking can be harmful. @NafdacAgency please and please do the needful, AMOY is AMOY no s, c or i. It’s not only drinks you go after, please go after these brands😤😤 AMOY is AMOY help the food industry. @capanigeria,” @Aimalohi6 appealed.
Renowned medical doctor and influencer, Dr Chinonso Egemba, @aproko_doctor, also commented, “Yes, drinking water is perfect for you but giving people fake soda and alcohol is wickedness. There’s a need to clamp down further on these people, this is most likely just the tip of an entire syndicate. No quality control, harmful materials etc.”
Another user, @enodamade, emphasized, “It’s time for NAFDAC and SON to step up and ensure the safety of our consumption space!
We are dying needless deaths because of these fake products!”
The growing problem of counterfeit goods being passed off as genuine to Nigerian consumers has raised significant concerns in recent times.
Earlier in December, Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Daniel Benson, professionally known as BNXN, threatened to expose certain clubs serving fake drinks.
“Respect my health, respect my money. Give me what I pay for. If you don’t have it, don’t bring a fake one. The next club or lounge that does this to me, I promise I will take that microphone from the hypeman and let you know,” he tweeted.
Just last week, NAFDAC officials shut down the Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State and apprehended 10 suspects allegedly involved in the production of adulterated beverages.
Following the raid, the Director of the Southeast Zone of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade, likened the actions of the suspects to terrorism when speaking to the press.
He stated, “What’s happening here at Cemetery Market, Aba is worse than Boko Haram.
“We saw how many shops were converted into manufacturing centers for all manner of wines, expensive drinks, and revalidation of the expiry date of products.
“We have the cooperation of the state government and so far we have discovered 240 shops used for this illegal manufacturing of fake consumables and about 10 persons have been arrested and the arrests are still ongoing.”