Baskadia

A filmakerr, Editi Effiong, has said that the attitude of Nigerians is responsible for the proliferation of fake consumer goods in markets and stores across the country.

Effiong who said this on Tuesday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle claimed that poor regulation by the Nigerian government and its agencies is not the sole cause of the proliferation of fake products in the Nigerian market lately.

He said, “Fake products find a market in Nigeria not only because of poor regulations - yes, regulation needs to be better - but because Nigerians love managing it like that.

“If we can’t find the good one, we manage the substandard substitutes - food, drugs, leaders, content.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Monday, said it found a large haul of fake wine and soft drinks in Abia State.

This was contained in a press statement released by the agency via its verified X handle, adding that NDLEA discovered major brands were cloned by the arrested syndicate in an operation that involved over 240 shops-turned-factories.

The statement reads: “In a major operation, NAFDAC has dismantled a large-scale counterfeit beverage syndicate operating in Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State.

“Acting on intelligence, the Agency collaborated with security forces to conduct a sting operation, uncovering illicit activities spanning various brands, including Seaman Schnapps, Henessy, Four Cousins, Martell, Black Label, Campari, and more.

“Over 240 shops-turned-factories were raided, revealing filthy conditions, the use of unhygienic water, harmful chemicals, and cloned packaging materials.

“The counterfeiters engaged in date revalidation for expired products like Peak milk, ketchup, and Coca-Cola products, posing severe health risks to unsuspecting consumers.

“The shutdown of the entire market was enforced until stakeholders committed to preventing such activities.

“The operation resulted in the destruction of 1,500 cartons of fake products, valued at over N750 million, and the evacuation of 300 cartons to NAFDAC's warehouse.”

The statement added that 10 individuals were arrested and “will face charges after a thorough investigation”.

Apart from the film producer, other X users shared pictures of fake popular wine brands, non-alcoholic drinks, chocolates, toothpaste, soap, milk, and other household goods already dominating the country’s marketplace.

Hence, they demanded an immediate government intervention in the matter which poses a threat to the well-being of the people.

A X user identified as Salawu wrote: “Your negligence to illegal factories led to the proliferation and porosity of fake product consumption in Nigeria.

“The cancerous fake products are ubiquitous and have cost many innocent lives to untimely death, thinking it's village people. We are pleading and appealing to you, please, take decisive measures to curb the illegal products menace in Nigeria.

“Visit Supermarkets, stores, shops, etc. Reminisce your staffs of the modus operandi of your agencies and prosecute anyone who goes against the rules.”

“Jokes and memes aside, this fake products thing is VERY scary and evil. Especially regarding the consumable things. People just sit down in one corner, mix rubbish, get their rubbish to be a perfect clone of the original, sell the rubbish and fill their greedy pockets. It’s sick,” another user, @tosyn_ said.

“Aside from drinks, ingredients used in cooking can kill us. @NafdacAgency please and please do the needful.

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