Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has drawn attention to concerns over counterfeit and potentially harmful products in Nigeria, calling on authorities and consumers to take the issue more seriously.
Kadiri shared her concerns in a video posted online, where she spoke about the difficulty Nigerians can face when trying to determine whether everyday products are safe and genuine.
She mentioned several categories, including food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics and household products. According to the actress, consumers often purchase products believing they are safe, only to discover that some may be poorly produced, contaminated or counterfeit.
One personal experience particularly alarmed her. Kadiri said she bought garlic, blended it and stepped away briefly. When she returned, she noticed that the garlic had changed colour.
She used the experience to explain why she has become increasingly concerned about the products Nigerians consume and use every day. However, the change in colour alone does not establish that the garlic was fake or contaminated; determining that would require proper testing.
Kadiri also expressed concern about children and families who may unknowingly be exposed to unsafe products. She said the consequences of counterfeit medicines and other harmful goods could be far more serious than the financial loss involved in purchasing them.
The actress directed her appeal to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), asking the regulator to pay closer attention to products circulating in the country. She also urged Nigerians to speak up when they encounter suspicious products.
Kadiri further encouraged parents and guardians to check expiry dates and NAFDAC registration numbers when purchasing regulated products. She argued that consumers also have a role to play in protecting their families by paying closer attention to what they buy.
Her comments come as concerns about counterfeit and substandard products remain part of a wider consumer-safety conversation in Nigeria. NAFDAC has previously stressed that allegations involving suspected fake or adulterated products should be scientifically investigated before conclusions are reached.
Kadiri’s message has since attracted reactions from Nigerians and fellow celebrities, including Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and May Edochie, who expressed support for her concerns.
The actress’s warning has therefore moved beyond a celebrity social-media post, opening another conversation about consumer awareness, product verification and the responsibility of manufacturers, sellers and regulators.
For Nigerians, the central message is straightforward: when a product appears suspicious, consumers should avoid relying solely on appearance or social-media claims and use appropriate channels to verify it.
NaijaGrove Entertainment