Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to intensify its efforts to protect Nigerians from counterfeit and potentially harmful products.
Kadiri made the appeal in a video shared on her Instagram page, where she expressed concern about the safety of products available to consumers across the country.
The actress said Nigerians routinely purchase food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics and household items expecting them to be safe, but warned that some products could be poorly manufactured, contaminated or counterfeit.
Describing the situation as a public health concern, Kadiri said the consequences could be particularly troubling for children.
“Dear Nigerians, I’m speaking to you today with a heavy heart and deep concern about the circulation of fake products in our country,” she said.
She also recounted a personal experience involving garlic she had purchased and blended. According to Kadiri, she returned after briefly stepping away and noticed that the colour of the blended garlic had changed.
The actress said the experience, coupled with concerns she had heard from others, had made her more cautious about purchasing pre-packaged drinks for her children.
“I’m literally afraid of buying already packed drinks for my kids because I am scared of what the outcome of that drink will be,” she said.
Kadiri appealed directly to NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye and urged the agency to pay greater attention to the safety of Nigerians.
“NAFDAC, please pay attention to the lives of Nigerians. Lots and lots of people are sick and are not getting better,” she said.
Her comments come amid ongoing public concerns over counterfeit and substandard products in Nigeria, with NAFDAC responsible for regulating and controlling food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and other regulated products.
Kadiri’s appeal adds her voice to calls for stronger enforcement and greater consumer vigilance in identifying and reporting products suspected to be fake or unsafe.
