Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, identified as Ridwan, has sparked a fierce debate after advising Nigerians to travel abroad to purchase basic items such as toothpaste and medicines, while launching a blistering attack on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over its inability to curb the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard products in the country. The statement, which has since gone viral on social media, has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians who see the remark as insensitive and out of touch with the economic realities of millions of citizens who cannot afford foreign travel.
In his remarks, Ridwan, whose full title and office were not immediately specified in the circulating reports, expressed frustration over the prevalence of fake consumables in the Nigerian market, arguing that NAFDAC had failed in its regulatory mandate to protect citizens from harmful products. He suggested that Nigerians should take their personal safety into their own hands by sourcing essential items from abroad, where quality and authenticity are more reliably guaranteed. "NAFDAC has failed Nigerians. They cannot guarantee the safety of what we consume. If you can afford it, travel abroad to buy your toothpaste and your medicines," Ridwan was quoted as saying.
The aide's comments come amid growing public concerns over the circulation of counterfeit goods in Nigeria, particularly in the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. In April 2026, NAFDAC issued a public health alert over the circulation of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste products in Kaduna State, warning that the fake items posed serious health risks to consumers. The agency has also seized over 10,000 cartons of fake tomato paste and cosmetic products, including toothpaste, in Lagos markets, underscoring the scale of the problem. Despite these enforcement actions, critics have argued that NAFDAC's efforts have been insufficient to stem the tide of substandard products flooding the market.
Ridwan's statement has been met with widespread condemnation from civil society groups, consumer rights advocates, and ordinary Nigerians, who described the advice as elitist and disconnected from the harsh economic realities facing the majority of the population. With inflation soaring and the naira depreciating against major currencies, international travel has become a luxury that few can afford. Many Nigerians took to social media to express their anger, with some accusing the aide of mocking the suffering of the people and others questioning the priorities of the Lagos State Government. One user wrote: "Instead of telling us to travel abroad, why not use your position to demand better regulation and enforcement? Nigerians are not all billionaires."
The controversy has also drawn attention to the broader challenges of consumer protection in Nigeria, where counterfeit medicines and substandard food products have contributed to avoidable illnesses and deaths. In June 2026, NAFDAC revealed that cosmetics and food items were the most counterfeited products in the country, urging Nigerians to purchase regulated products only from authorised outlets and to verify the authenticity of products before use. The agency has repeatedly warned that fake products often contain harmful substances and are sold significantly below normal prices, making them dangerously attractive to unsuspecting consumers.
Ridwan's remarks have also been criticised for undermining the efforts of NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies that are working to combat the scourge of counterfeit goods. While acknowledging the agency's challenges, some commentators argued that the solution lies in strengthening enforcement, improving public awareness, and prosecuting offenders, rather than advising citizens to seek safety abroad. The Lagos State Government, which has previously expressed concern over Nigeria's over-dependence on imported pharmaceutical drugs, has not officially distanced itself from Ridwan's comments. However, the backlash has placed the Sanwo-Olu administration in an awkward position, as it seeks to balance the promotion of local production and consumer protection with the controversial views of one of its appointees.
As the debate continues, the incident has once again highlighted the deep frustration among Nigerians over the failure of regulatory agencies to guarantee the safety of essential products. For many citizens, the idea of travelling abroad to purchase basic items like toothpaste and medicine is not just impractical but a painful reminder of the systemic failures that have made everyday life a struggle. Whether Ridwan's comments will prompt any meaningful action from the government or regulatory bodies remains to be seen, but they have certainly succeeded in reigniting a conversation that many would rather ignore.
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