Public affairs commentator Deji Adesogan has called on the Federal Government to declare what he described as a “total war” against the circulation of fake products in Nigeria, warning that continued inaction could expose more Nigerians to serious health risks.

Adesogan made the call in a post on X, expressing concern over the increasing circulation of counterfeit and substandard products across Nigerian markets.

He argued that the situation requires urgent and drastic intervention, warning that more Nigerians could suffer or lose their lives if fake products continue to flood the market unchecked.

The call comes amid renewed public concern over counterfeit food, drugs, cosmetics, toothpaste, beverages and other consumer products. Recent reports have highlighted growing consumer anxiety over products suspected to be fake or adulterated, prompting increased scrutiny of regulatory enforcement.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has intensified its enforcement operations in response. The agency said it mopped up 7,210 products during nationwide post-marketing surveillance between May and July 2026, covering food and water, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and other regulated products. It also reported 64 convictions for counterfeiting between June 2025 and June 2026.

NAFDAC has also reported the seizure and destruction of regulated products worth more than ₦1.5tn during coordinated enforcement operations. The agency has described counterfeiters as a serious threat to public health and has called for tougher punishment for those involved in the production and distribution of fake regulated products.

The scale of the problem has also prompted calls for stronger coordination among regulatory and security agencies, particularly as investigators have reported cases involving counterfeit products being manufactured and distributed locally rather than merely imported.

NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, recently said investigations had uncovered alleged networks involving foreign nationals and local operations involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods in Nigeria.

However, the agency has also cautioned Nigerians against treating unverified social media claims as established facts. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said suspected counterfeit or unsafe products must be subjected to proper investigation and scientific testing before conclusions are reached.

Adesogan’s warning therefore adds to growing calls for stronger surveillance, enforcement, prosecution and public awareness to prevent dangerous counterfeit products from reaching consumers.