馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Cosmetics, food, and beverages comprise over 50% of counterfeit products in Nigeria, NAFDAC reports
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control NAFDAC announced that cosmetic products, food, and beverages account for over 50% of counterfeit items seized in Nigeria. NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, shared this information at a press conference for the 2026 International Anti-Counterfeit Month. The agency noted that fake and substandard medicines, containing incorrect or insufficient active ingredients, are also frequently seized. Counterfeiters are increasingly using online procurement and cargo consolidation systems, known as groupage, to smuggle products. Groupage allows multiple importers to share a single shipping container, complicating regulatory oversight. NAFDAC highlighted that foreign companies often have agents who monitor high-demand products and arrange for counterfeit versions to be manufactured abroad, particularly in Asia, with packaging that closely mimics genuine brands. The agency is collaborating with security agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service and other regulatory bodies to address these challenges, working to close regulatory loopholes and improve verification systems. NAFDAC emphasized that combating counterfeiting requires collective effort from government institutions, manufacturers, importers, logistics companies, healthcare professionals, media, and consumers. The Director-General commended the judiciary for expediting drug-
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
England began their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Texas. Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, including a retaken penalty, to give England the lead. Croatia responded with goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, leveling the score at 2-2 by halftime. Jude Bellingham put England ahead again just after the break, and substitute Marcus Rashford secured the win with a goal five minutes from time. The match, a repeat of the 2018 semi-final, saw both teams display defensive vulnerabilities. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, aims to win their first major trophy since 1966.
Must ReadNigeria's former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has commented on her acquittal by a London court on all bribery and corruption charges. She described the nearly 11-year legal process as an "arduous" and "traumatic" experience for her family. In a video broadcast, Alison-Madueke expressed gratitude to God and her supporters. Residing in the United Kingdom since 2015, she maintained that she served Nigeria with integrity during her tenure. PUNCH Online reported her acquittal on Wednesday of six bribery charges at London鈥檚 Southwark Crown Court. Alison-Madueke, who served as minister from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, reportedly faced five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which she denied. Prosecutors had alleged that Alison-Madueke was provided with "a life of luxury" in London by oil and gas industry figures seeking contracts in Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Democratic Republic of Congo achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever World Cup point, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match. Yoane Wissa's header for DR Congo canceled out an early goal from Portugal's Joao Neves. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, made his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance but was a largely peripheral figure. The DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, demonstrated a strong performance despite disruptions to their preparations due to an Ebola outbreak in their country. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro provided wristbands to some players in tribute to their late teammate Diogo Jota. Portugal initially took the lead in the sixth minute through Neves, but Wissa equalized in first-half added time, scoring DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal. Portugal had a goal disallowed for offside, and Cedric Bakambu hit the post for DR Congo. Ronaldo had opportunities but failed to convert, sending two shots wide of the post.