The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to combat the production, distribution and sale of fake, adulterated and substandard food and beverages across Nigeria, warning that the practice poses serious threats to public health.
The House made the call during plenary on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Abubakar Yalleman, who represents Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.
Moving the motion, Yalleman said access to safe and quality food and beverages was essential to the health, well-being and productivity of Nigerians. He stressed the need for standardised production processes and proper hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria, chemical residues, expired ingredients and physical contaminants.
The lawmaker also noted that compliance with food safety standards would improve the competitiveness of Nigerian food businesses in regional and international markets by reducing the rejection of exported products and supporting economic growth.
Expressing concern over the growing activities of counterfeiters and illegal manufacturers, Yalleman cited the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) dismantling of illegal alcohol counterfeiting operations at Zamfara Plaza on Lagos Island on April 22, 2026.
He also referenced a September 22, 2026, operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during which officers raided an illegal and unregistered fruit juice factory in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to him, the incidents highlight the growing circulation of fake, adulterated, unregistered and substandard products, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water and other food items consumed daily by Nigerians.
Yalleman warned that some manufacturers and distributors counterfeit established brands, manipulate product labels and expiry dates, use inferior or contaminated raw materials, illegally refill containers and operate outside approved regulatory standards.
He said such practices could expose consumers to life-threatening health conditions, including acute poisoning, cancer and damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, lungs, liver and heart.
The lawmaker identified NAFDAC as the agency responsible for regulating food, bottled water and other products under its statutory mandate, while the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) oversees consumer protection and product safety. He added that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) also plays a key role in ensuring compliance with applicable product standards.
Although he acknowledged the efforts of the three regulatory agencies, Yalleman expressed concern over the continued circulation of products carrying misleading information about production and expiry dates, batch numbers, manufacturers and ingredients.
He maintained that existing laws and regulations provided a framework for addressing unsafe products but called for stronger enforcement, improved coordination among regulatory agencies, enhanced market surveillance and increased public awareness to protect consumers from dangerous food and beverages.
