A storm of public health concern is brewing across Nigeria as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has declared what it calls a “national health emergency,” warning that millions of citizens are being exposed to dangerous fake and adulterated consumables.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the civil rights group accused the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) of “catastrophic failure” in their duty to safeguard public health.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the unchecked spread of counterfeit products has turned Nigerian markets into what he described as a “deadly marketplace,” where everyday food and drinks could pose serious health risks.
According to the group, major cities including Abuja are witnessing a disturbing influx of fake wines, adulterated beverages, and substandard packaged foods—many of them allegedly produced or repackaged to mimic trusted brands.
“What should be basic consumables have now become potential instruments of slow poisoning,” the group warned.
The statement also raised alarm over reports that fruits are being artificially ripened with harmful chemicals, while infant foods and household staples are increasingly being counterfeited.
“The implication is chilling—no Nigerian is safe, not even infants,” HURIWA said.
Beyond the immediate risks, the association linked the trend to a growing number of health complications nationwide. It claimed that hospitals are recording a rise in kidney-related illnesses and other chronic conditions, particularly among younger Nigerians.
While no official data was cited, the group insisted the pattern reflects the long-term consequences of weak regulatory enforcement.
HURIWA did not hold back in its criticism, alleging a “toxic mix of incompetence, institutional decay, and possible collusion” between regulators and unscrupulous businesses.
The group warned that Nigeria risks becoming a dumping ground for fake and substandard goods if urgent action is not taken.
It therefore called on the Federal Government to immediately overhaul both NAFDAC and SON, including a change in leadership and the deployment of more aggressive enforcement measures.
HURIWA also invoked the legacy of former NAFDAC Director-General, Dora Akunyili, urging a return to the era of strict regulation and fearless crackdowns on counterfeiters.
“The time for complacency is over. This is a national emergency that demands decisive action,” the group stated.
It further demanded the investigation and prosecution of individuals and networks involved in the production and distribution of fake consumables, warning that failure to act would amount to “state-enabled endangerment of lives.”
As concerns grow over food safety and regulatory enforcement, the statement is likely to intensify pressure on authorities to respond swiftly to what could become one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.