Ngozi Ezeonu Urges Action Against Fake Drugs and Unsafe Products in Nigeria

Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Ezeonu has raised the alarm over the circulation of fake medicines, baby formula and other potentially unsafe products in Nigeria, calling on those involved to stop putting lives at risk for profit.

Ezeonu made the passionate appeal in a video shared on Instagram, saying she is increasingly concerned about the number of young Nigerians experiencing serious health problems.

Ezeonu appeals to fake drug producers

Speaking directly to people involved in producing or selling counterfeit medicines, the actress urged them to consider the consequences of their actions.

She questioned the benefit of making money from products that could potentially harm unsuspecting consumers and pleaded with those involved in the trade to stop.

Ezeonu also warned that counterfeit products could affect anyone, including the families of the people involved in the business.

Actress raises concern over medicines and baby food

Ezeonu specifically mentioned fake medicines, injections, children’s drinks and baby formula among the products she believes require greater scrutiny.

She said people who can afford medical treatment abroad may have alternatives when they become ill, but ordinary Nigerians who depend on local healthcare and products are more vulnerable.

The actress also expressed concern about young people she has seen in hospitals with kidney and liver problems. However, her comments linking such illnesses to fake medication were presented as concerns rather than medically established evidence. Kidney and liver conditions can have multiple causes.

Ezeonu calls on regulators to strengthen enforcement

Beyond appealing to manufacturers and sellers, Ezeonu called on government agencies to do more to protect consumers.

She specifically urged NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to strengthen monitoring and enforcement against counterfeit products.

Her comments come amid a wider public conversation about counterfeit and substandard products in Nigeria, following similar concerns raised by actress Ruth Kadiri.