The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised concerns over the increasing circulation of unsafe and counterfeit products in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public health and safety.

The commission said it has observed a growing influx of substandard goods across various sectors, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household items, many of which fail to meet required safety standards.

According to the FCCPC, these products are often poorly manufactured, falsely labelled, or deliberately misrepresented to deceive consumers, making them difficult to detect in the marketplace.

The agency warned that the consumption or use of such items could lead to severe health complications, financial loss, and, in extreme cases, death.

It added that the rise in fake products is being driven by weak regulatory compliance, illegal importation, and the activities of unscrupulous manufacturers and distributors.

The commission urged consumers to remain vigilant by purchasing goods only from trusted and verified sources, carefully checking product labels, expiry dates, and certification marks before use.

The FCCPC also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement actions, including market surveillance, product testing, and collaboration with other regulatory bodies to clamp down on offenders.

It called on members of the public to report suspicious or harmful products, stressing that collective efforts are essential in protecting consumers and maintaining market integrity