NAFDAC warns of fake condoms in Lagos, Abuja, other markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Kiss brand condoms in major markets across the country.

In a statement published on its website on Monday and referenced as Public Alert No. 042/2025, the agency said it received the information from DKT International Nigeria, a leading non-governmental organisation involved in contraceptive social marketing and HIV/AIDS prevention.

NAFDAC stated, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is notifying the public about the sale and distribution of fake Kiss condoms in various Nigerian markets.

“The information was received from the MAH-DKT International Nigeria, a leading non-governmental organisation focused on contraceptive social marketing. Its mission is to provide Nigerians with affordable and safe options for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.

“The fake Kiss condoms have been reported to be found in Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and various markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and others.”

Kiss condom is a brand of male latex condoms designed for sexual protection, mainly to help prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

However, NAFDAC warned that the counterfeit versions pose serious health risks due to poor quality, lack of sterilisation, inadequate lubrication, wrong labelling and the absence of proper regulatory compliance.

The agency cautioned that the use of fake condoms increases the risk of breakage, infections, allergic reactions and ineffective protection, giving users a false sense of safety.

According to NAFDAC, the counterfeit product differs significantly from the authentic Kiss condom in packaging, labelling, colour shade, manufacturer address details, the absence of medical device information, incomplete caution instructions and generally poor-quality condom structure.

It said the fake version usually comes in a darker pack with a distorted design and often carries incorrect or incomplete manufacturer addresses.

The agency added that the counterfeit product lacks proper medical device labelling and caution information, while the packaging quality is poor with noticeable barcode inconsistencies.

In addition, the fake condoms are made with thinner latex, have a smaller teat end and contain less lubrication than the genuine product.

NAFDAC said its zonal and state offices have been directed to intensify surveillance and mop-up operations to remove the counterfeit condoms from circulation.

The agency urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals and consumers to remain vigilant and ensure that medical products are purchased only from licensed and authorised suppliers.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website, www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-safety application available for download on Android and iOS stores, or by email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the World Health Organisation Global Surveillance and Monitoring System,” NAFDAC added.