Reps demand nationwide crackdown on fake food, drinks

The House of Representatives has called for a nationwide crackdown on fake and adulterated food products, directing relevant committees to investigate the problem and report their findings within four weeks.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Abubakar Yalleman, who represents Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, during plenary on Tuesday.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to strengthen the enforcement of food safety regulations, warning that the production and sale of counterfeit and substandard food and beverages posed serious health risks to Nigerians.
Yalleman cited recent operations by regulatory and security agencies to illustrate the problem, including the dismantling of an illegal alcohol counterfeiting syndicate at Zamfara Plaza on Lagos Island by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on April 22, 2026.
He also referred to the raid on an illegal fruit juice factory in Badagry, Lagos State, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on September 22, 2026.
The lawmaker said some manufacturers and distributors engaged in counterfeiting established brands, altering product labels and expiry dates, using contaminated raw materials and illegally reusing or refilling containers.
He warned that such practices could expose consumers to food poisoning, cancer and damage to vital organs, including the kidneys, liver, lungs and heart.
Yalleman acknowledged the roles of NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in regulating products and protecting consumers but said the continued circulation of fake and substandard goods required stronger enforcement.
He called for better coordination among regulatory agencies, improved market surveillance, regular inspections and the prosecution of offenders.
The House subsequently urged NAFDAC, SON and the FCCPC to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, state governments and other relevant bodies to intensify nationwide inspections, product sampling, laboratory testing and enforcement operations.
The proposed measures are expected to target manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers involved in the production and sale of counterfeit and substandard food and beverages.
The lawmakers also expressed concern about the potential impact on vulnerable groups, particularly children and older people, who could suffer foodborne illnesses, poisoning and other preventable health complications.
The House mandated its relevant committees, particularly those on Health, Industry, Customs, Standards and Consumer Protection, to engage regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to assess the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of existing enforcement measures.
The committees are expected to submit their findings within four weeks for further legislative action, including possible measures to curb the circulation of fake food, drinks and drugs.