••• Demand Urgent Action
Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have raised serious concerns over the increasing presence of counterfeit and substandard products in several supermarkets across the city, describing the situation as frustrating and dangerous to consumer wellbeing.
Many shoppers say what was once a simple trip to the supermarket has now become a risky exercise, as fake consumables, cosmetic products and household items are allegedly finding their way onto shelves without proper regulation.
“This Akure ehn, finding supermarket wey no dey sell fake don turn divine connection,” lamented Mr. Soji Adekunle, a civil servant, who claimed he recently purchased a popular beverage that tasted suspicious and had no valid expiry date. “I had to throw everything away just to be safe.”
A young entrepreneur, Miss Damilola Ojo, narrated her ordeal after buying a skincare product that caused severe skin irritation. “The packaging looked original, but after two days, my face started reacting. When I went back, the store attendants acted like they didn’t know anything,” she said bitterly.
Some residents suspect weak regulatory oversight and poor monitoring by relevant authorities as key factors enabling the circulation of fake items in reputable supermarkets across the metropolis.
According to Mrs. Funmi Adebayo, a mother of three, “We trust supermarkets more than roadside shops, but now it seems even the so-called big stores cannot be trusted. It is painful that everything is now a gamble.”
Traders and distributors, however, argue that the problem originates from suppliers who allegedly introduce counterfeit goods into the supply chain under the guise of discounted prices and fast delivery.
A supermarket manager who spoke on condition of anonymity admitted that fake goods often infiltrate the market unnoticed. “Sometimes, these products come sealed and appear very genuine. It takes professional verification to detect them,” he explained.
Meanwhile, some stakeholders have called for urgent intervention. “This is not just an economic issue; it is a health and safety concern. Regulatory bodies must step up surveillance and impose strict penalties on offenders,”
Residents have appealed to NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies to intensify routine inspections and ensure that supermarkets involved in the sale of counterfeit products are sanctioned appropriately.
As frustration grows, many Akure residents say they now rely heavily on personal recommendations and direct manufacturers to avoid falling victim to fake products, hoping that decisive action will soon restore trust in the city’s retail sector.
Details later…
