In response to the recent alert from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) regarding the circulation of unregistered “Foula” condoms, Health and Social Welfare Minister Muhammad Pate has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to minimizing the presence of counterfeit condoms and other substandard items in Nigeria. During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Pate acknowledged the challenges posed by illicit actors introducing inferior products into the market and emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce such occurrences to the barest minimum.
NAFDAC’s alert highlighted the discovery of “Foula” condoms, packaged in sets of three, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State. The agency noted that these condoms are unregistered, with labeling not in English, raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness. NAFDAC warned that the use of poor-quality condoms could lead to unintended pregnancies and increased transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as compromised products may leak or break, failing to provide adequate protection.
Minister Pate’s remarks underscore the government’s dedication to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only quality-assured products are available in the market. He acknowledged that while most products meet regulatory standards, a minority of substandard items still find their way into circulation. Pate stated, “Over the years, we have seen a reduction in those kinds of things making it. Somebody may hide in their room, create something that is substandard and get it into the market. That is what we are trying to [reduce to] the barest minimum.”
The minister’s assurance aligns with NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to monitor and regulate products to protect consumers. The agency has been proactive in conducting post-marketing surveillance to identify and remove unregistered and potentially harmful products from the market. Consumers are advised to purchase condoms and other health products from reputable sources and to verify that products are NAFDAC-registered to ensure their safety and efficacy.
