Regulatory Affairs
NAFDAC Investigates Suspected Counterfeit Oral-B, Colgate Toothpaste, Warns of Evolving Trade
NAFDAC is investigating suspected counterfeit Oral-B and Colgate toothpastes after receiving complaints, with arrests and seizures reported in four locations as the agency warns of evolving counterfeit-product networks in Nigeria.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is investigating suspected counterfeit Oral-B and Colgate toothpastes following complaints received by the agency, with enforcement operations resulting in arrests and seizures in parts of the country.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, said the agency had acted on intelligence concerning suspected fake toothpastes, with enforcement activities carried out in Kano, Sokoto, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State.
He also disclosed that two suspects are facing prosecution over the alleged importation of counterfeit toothpaste brands.
NAFDAC investigates suspected fake toothpastes
Iluyomade said NAFDAC had received intelligence concerning suspected counterfeit toothpaste and had been working on the matter.
“We have an intelligence report on (fake toothpastes) and have been working on it: we’ve made a lot of arrests and seizures.”
The enforcement operations, he said, included activities in Kano, Sokoto, Delta State and Onitsha.
According to the NAFDAC official, two suspects are being prosecuted over the alleged importation of counterfeit toothpaste brands.
The investigation concerns specific suspected counterfeit products and should not be interpreted as a declaration that all Oral-B or Colgate products circulating in Nigeria are counterfeit.
NAFDAC warns of evolving counterfeit trade
The toothpaste investigation comes as NAFDAC raises concerns about changes in the way counterfeit products are allegedly manufactured and distributed in Nigeria.
Iluyomade said some Chinese nationals allegedly involved in counterfeit-product activities were no longer relying solely on importing finished fake products into Nigeria. According to him, some alleged operators have established production and logistics networks within the country.
He said information gathered by the agency indicated that some counterfeiters identify products that are in high demand in Nigeria and have samples replicated before distributing the suspected counterfeit versions in the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC also said some of the alleged operators have links to logistics companies used to move the products.
The agency has consequently been targeting logistics facilities and other channels allegedly connected to the counterfeit trade as part of its enforcement activities.
Previous concerns over counterfeit toothpaste
NAFDAC's latest disclosure follows earlier regulatory concerns over suspected counterfeit toothpaste products in Nigeria.
In April 2026, the agency warned against suspected counterfeit and unregistered Colgate products identified in Kaduna State. The products, labelled “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g”, were identified during a regulatory investigation following a complaint received by NAFDAC.
The agency advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected counterfeit or unregistered products through its established channels.
Implications for pharmacy practice
The development highlights the importance of supply-chain integrity and product traceability for pharmacies, wholesalers and other outlets involved in the distribution of healthcare and oral-care products.
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can help reduce the risk of suspected falsified products reaching consumers by sourcing products through legitimate and traceable suppliers and remaining alert to products with unusual packaging, labelling or other signs of possible irregularity.
Suspected counterfeit products should be reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities for investigation rather than being treated as confirmed counterfeits without regulatory verification.
NAFDAC’s ongoing enforcement efforts show that the challenge extends beyond individual counterfeit products to the wider networks involved in their alleged manufacture, importation and distribution.
For the pharmacy sector, the development reinforces the importance of responsible procurement, supply-chain vigilance and prompt regulatory reporting in protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in healthcare products.