The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has raised the alarm on the illegal sale and distribution of fake brands of condoms in Nigeria.
NAFDAC said officials from the Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate discovered Foula condoms (packaged in threes) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State.
The agency said the product is not registered for use in Nigeria, stressing that the labelling of the product is not in the English language.
While warning that if the unregistered condoms leak or break they cannot offer adequate protection, NAFDAC directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to combat the issue, enhance surveillance, and eliminate these unregistered products.
It stated that the illegal distribution or sale of unregistered condoms poses a risk as the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
“The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms will adversely affect every aspect of condom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection.
“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the unregistered products within the zones and states.
“Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid importing, distributing, selling, and using illegally distributed products. All medical products/medical devices must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers,” it said.
