Story by Iyiola Ayomide
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the illegal sale and distribution of an unregistered condom brand called Foula Condoms. NAFDAC officials from the Post-Marketing Surveillance directorate discovered these condoms, packaged in sets of three, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsura
This discovery was part of a risk-based post-marketing surveillance study on registered condom products in Nigeria. NAFDAC emphasized, “The condom is not registered for use in Nigeria, and the labeling is not in English.”
Condoms are recognized as an effective barrier method for preventing unintended pregnancies and protecting against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To ensure maximum effectiveness, any barrier method must be used correctly.
NAFDAC warns that the illegal distribution of unregistered condoms poses significant risks, as their safety, quality, and efficacy are not guaranteed. “The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms can negatively impact efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies and protect against HIV and other STIs. If condoms leak or break, they fail to provide adequate protection.”
The agency has instructed all zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor and remove these unregistered products from circulation. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are advised to remain vigilant within the supply chain to avoid engaging with illegally distributed products. All medical supplies must be sourced from authorized and licensed suppliers, and the authenticity and condition of products should be carefully inspected.
NAFDAC encourages anyone suspecting the sale of substandard or counterfeit medicines or medical devices to report it to the nearest office at 0800-162-3322 or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. Additionally, healthcare professionals and patients are urged to report any adverse events or side effects related to medicinal products or devices through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms on their website, or via the Med-Safety application available for download on Android and iOS, or by emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
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