Veteran actress Ngozi Ezeonu has raised concerns over the growing circulation of fake and unsafe products in Nigeria, warning that the pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of human lives.
Ezeonu voiced her concerns in a viral video, where she spoke about the health implications of counterfeit medicines and food products.
The actress expressed particular concern over what she described as increasing cases of kidney and liver problems among young people.
“I don’t understand what’s happening in this country anymore. When you go to hospitals, you see young people dying with kidney problems, liver problems, because everything is fake,” she said.
Ezeonu acknowledged the desire to make money but argued that profit should not come at the cost of people’s health and safety.
“I know we have to look for money and be rich, but not at the detriment of lives. We shouldn’t be our own enemy,” she added.
She called on regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to strengthen monitoring and enforcement against unsafe and counterfeit products.
Ezeonu’s warning comes shortly after actress Ruth Kadiri also raised concerns about the spread of counterfeit goods in Nigeria.
In a video shared on Instagram, Kadiri urged NAFDAC to intensify its crackdown on fake products, warning that contaminated food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics and household items could endanger consumers.
She recounted an experience involving garlic she purchased, saying it turned green shortly after she blended it.
Kadiri described the situation as more than a business problem, stressing that the safety of consumers should remain a priority.
The concerns raised by both actresses have renewed public attention on the need for effective regulation, product monitoring and enforcement to protect consumers from potentially harmful goods.
