Reality TV Star Leo Da Silva Raises Alarm on Surge of Counterfeit Products in Abuja, Urges NAFDAC Crackdown

 

Leo Da Silva, a well-known Nigerian entrepreneur and reality television personality, has sounded an alarm that has sparked widespread concern. In a social media post that has since gone viral, the former Big Brother Naija housemate shared his recent experience with fake consumer products in Abuja, drawing attention to what many have described as a public health emergency hiding in plain sight.

A growing number of Nigerians have been voicing their frustrations over the influx of counterfeit goods in the country, but Leo’s blunt and detailed post appears to have reignited the conversation in a powerful way. His frustration was clear and direct. According to him, the frequency with which fake products appear on supermarket shelves, especially in Abuja, is beyond alarming.

He recounted how in just a single month, he purchased several counterfeit products from big-name supermarkets within the Federal Capital Territory. Among the items he listed were cod liver oil, Gestid (an antacid), Sensodyne toothpaste, skincare products from Simple, and deodorants. All, according to him, turned out to be fake.

Leo took to social media to say, “The amount of fake drugs, fake deodorants, fake toothpaste and fake skincare in Nigeria is ridiculous. In one month, I have bought fake cod liver oil, fake Gestid, fake Sensodyne, fake Simple face wash, fake deodorant, etc. NAFDAC need to raid all big supermarkets in Abuja.”

His outcry has ignited a wave of reactions online, with many residents of Abuja and other parts of Nigeria sharing their own experiences with substandard or counterfeit products, especially items that directly affect health and wellness. The response from the public shows that this issue is not isolated, and Leo’s post may have been the catalyst for a broader demand for accountability.

NAFDAC, the agency responsible for ensuring the safety and regulation of food, drugs, and related products in Nigeria, has often conducted raids and public campaigns to combat counterfeit goods. However, Leo's call puts the spotlight on the need for a more aggressive and focused crackdown, particularly on urban supermarkets that are typically trusted by middle-class consumers.

Consumers generally associate supermarkets with authenticity and quality. The idea that counterfeit medications and toiletries could be hiding behind neatly arranged shelves and branded shopping bags has shaken that perception. The real danger lies not only in the sale of these products, but in the health implications for unsuspecting consumers who rely on them for their well-being.

Counterfeit drugs, in particular, can pose severe health risks. Medications that do not contain the correct active ingredients, or are contaminated with harmful substances, can cause treatment failures, worsening of illness, and even death in extreme cases. When fake health products proliferate in major urban centers like Abuja, the potential for widespread harm increases drastically.

Industry analysts have also expressed concern over how such fake goods end up in supermarkets, suggesting a breakdown in the supply chain vetting process. Suppliers and distributors may be infiltrating markets with imitation products that appear identical to the originals in packaging but lack the required efficacy and safety.

Calls have intensified for NAFDAC to prioritize raids, inspections, and sanctions in Abuja and other urban areas. Citizens have begun to tag the agency in their social media posts, demanding visible action and public reports on enforcement efforts. The need for consumer education is also clear. Shoppers must be taught how to identify fake products and encouraged to report suspicious items.

Leo Da Silva’s voice, backed by his sizable following and social influence, has managed to turn a personal frustration into a national conversation. Many hope this moment can drive lasting change in product regulation and enforcement. The reality remains: fake goods are not just an economic nuisance; they are a silent threat to public health.

As the nation waits for NAFDAC’s next move, consumers continue to share their vigilance online, turning personal inconvenience into collective awareness. The demand for safer supermarket shelves is not just a trending topic; it has become a public demand that can no longer be ignored.