Glytabs September 2025 Newsletter
Cracking Down on Counterfeit Cosmetics: Safeguarding Health and Consumer Trust
Nigeria’s fight against counterfeit products took a dramatic turn recently when the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered an illegal cosmetics hub operating inside a military barracks neighbourhood market in Lagos. Valued at over ₦500 million (USD 334,000), the seized products included fake creams and lotions produced in unsafe conditions, with counterfeiters exploiting the credibility of the location to push dangerous goods into the market. Alongside the fake products, officials discovered chemicals, expired items, and packaging materials ready for illicit use.
The raid underscores the grave health risks posed by counterfeit cosmetics, which can cause burns, infections, and long-term damage due to unregulated ingredients. In recent years, offenders have faced stiff penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and the destruction of counterfeit stock. Yet, the scale of the recent discovery reveals the persistence of counterfeit networks and the urgency of tackling the issue more comprehensively. Beyond raids and seizures, NAFDAC must continue to invest in tools like handheld scanners for instant product verification and collaborate with agencies such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which has recently introduced a QR code traceability system to help consumers verify the authenticity of personal care products.
For us at Glytabs Consulting Limited, this incident highlights the broader challenge of consumer protection in Nigeria’s food and personal care sectors. Counterfeit products not only erode trust, but they also compromise health, safety, and livelihoods. By focusing on building capacity in advancing food safety systems, strengthening regulatory compliance, and fostering innovation in traceability and quality assurance, we will continue to contribute to addressing this challenge. We see technology-enabled solutions such as digital verification, transparent supply chains, and improved market surveillance as key to building consumer confidence. Our training, advisory services, and stakeholder collaborations will help strengthen organizations, including regulators, in developing stronger safeguards to keep harmful products off shelves and ensure that every item a consumer buys is both genuine and safe.
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