In a concerning public health advisory, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians about the wide circulation of counterfeit condoms in major markets across the country. The agency’s alert underscores serious health risks for anyone using unverified products that could fail at critical moments.
This warning has emerged as a crucial reminder about product safety, sexual health protection, and the importance of vigilance in consumer behaviour — particularly in markets where counterfeit items can thrive.
What Prompted the Warning?
NAFDAC issued Public Alert No. 042/2025 after receiving credible information from DKT International Nigeria, the recognised marketing authorisation holder for the Kiss Condom brand. The development indicates that fake versions of Kiss Condoms — a widely used male latex contraceptive — are being sold and distributed in several popular marketplaces.
Where Are Counterfeit Condoms Being Found?
According to the regulatory agency, fake condoms have been reported in bustling commercial hubs across the nation, including:
- Onitsha Market
- Idumota Market
- Trade Fair Market (Lagos)
- Markets in Kano and Abuja
- Other urban centres such as Uyo, Gombe, and Enugu
This spread across major cities shows the counterfeit products are not isolated to one region but are circulating widely in Nigeria’s retail networks.
Why This Matters: The Health Risks of Fake Condoms
Condoms play a vital role in preventing unwanted pregnancies and protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Genuine products are manufactured under strict quality standards to ensure durability, reliability and effectiveness.
By contrast, counterfeit condoms — which are poorly made, unsterilised, and unregulated — can pose severe risks, including:
- Breakage during use
- Inadequate protection against STIs
- Increased risk of unwanted pregnancy
- Irritation or allergic reactions
NAFDAC emphasised that the presence of fake products undermines public health and jeopardises efforts to reduce the rates of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies.
How to Spot Counterfeit Condoms
To help consumers distinguish genuine Kiss Condoms from fakes, the agency outlined several key differences in packaging and product quality:
Genuine products typically have:
- Clear, correct instructions
- Complete manufacturer and distributor details
- Proper cautions and storage information
- Consistent colour and print quality
Fake products often show:
- Incorrect or incomplete addresses
- Darker or inconsistent packaging colours
- Poor printing quality
- Absence of medical device information
- Differences in condom size, lubrication, and structure
Consumers are urged to carefully inspect products and trust only condoms with reputable packaging and official certification marks.
What NAFDAC Is Doing
In response to the surge of counterfeit condoms, NAFDAC has:
- Directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance
- Ordered a mop-up operation to remove fake products from circulation
- Called on manufacturers, distributors and retailers to source products only from licensed and authorised suppliers
The agency also invites the public, healthcare professionals and retailers to report any suspected substandard or falsified products directly to NAFDAC offices or through its official reporting channels.
What Consumers Should Do Now
To stay safe, Nigerians are advised to:
- Buy condoms only from trusted pharmacies or licensed outlets
- Check packaging for authenticity markers and quality seals
- Report suspicious products to NAFDAC immediately
- Avoid purchasing from roadside hawkers or unverified sellers
Being vigilant helps protect not only individual health but also public confidence in preventive healthcare measures.
