Fake Condoms Flood Nigerian Markets, NAFDAC Warns

Nigeria’s food and drug regulator has raised an alert about the circulation of counterfeit contraceptive products in several major markets across the country, warning that the fake items pose serious public health risks and urging consumers and stakeholders to be vigilant.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said in a public alert (No. 042/2025) issued on Monday that it received credible information from DKT International Nigeria, the authorised holder of the Kiss condom brand, about the presence of falsified products in markets nationwide.

The agency noted that “the fake Kiss condom has been reported to be found in Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and various markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and others,” signaling a widespread distribution of the counterfeits.

NAFDAC explained that Kiss condoms are manufactured as male latex condoms intended to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis, but that the counterfeit versions undermine these protective functions.

The agency warned that the use of fake products “poses serious health risks due to poor quality, lack of sterilization, and absence of regulation,” adding that such items can fail to provide effective protection and may expose users to additional hazards.

To help the public distinguish genuine products from counterfeits, NAFDAC outlined differences in packaging and physical characteristics, noting that authentic condoms include full manufacturer details, clear instructions and appropriate safety information, while the counterfeit packs often lack these features and may have darker colouring and incorrect addresses.

The agency has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify market surveillance and remove the falsified Kiss condoms from circulation. It also advised consumers, healthcare professionals, distributors and retailers to source medical products only from authorised suppliers and to report suspected substandard or falsified products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

NAFDAC’s warning adds to ongoing efforts by regulatory authorities in Nigeria to protect public health by combating the distribution and use of counterfeit and substandard medical products, a challenge that has previously included alerts on unauthorised medicines and other health-related devices.