For the past couple of hours in Nigeria, trending number 1 on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is: fake products. Although this topic garnered social media attention recently, particularly after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) busted 240 fake wine ‘factories’ in Abia, the issue of counterfeiting is not new to the Nigerian economic scene.
Many Nigerians would remember how local traders massively sold the Nigeria Super Eagles jersey for the 2018 World Cup in Russia before the official release of the product to Nike stores. While Nike sold the neon green and white zig-zag jersey for $85, local traders within the country sold fake versions of the item at a measly ₦5,000 (about $7) or a little above.
The fake Super Eagle Jersey, ‘Abibas’, ‘Guchi’ and other designer imitations are a common feature in the markets, giving citizens the option to slay on a budget. With the recent influx of counterfeit consumables like food, beverages, and drugs and other products like cosmetics, however, the situation has become an epidemic of public health concern. Nigerians are being slayed on a budget!
Nigerians have taken to social media, expressing deep concerns about the implications of this situation and calling on the government and regulatory agencies to take swift action. One netizen commented: “Consuming fake products and getting sick, only to treat yourself with fake drugs is one hell of a ride”.
Another says that the reality of the fake product trend is capable of killing faster than the fake product themselves.
Different comparisons of fake vs original products were put by netizens to inform the public- the most recurring being pictures and videos that show different variations of Amoy™ sauce.
The outcry also saw netizens paying respect to the late, dogged former director general of NAFDAC, Prof Dora Akunyili, whose administration was transformative.
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