The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the illegal sale and distribution of an unregistered condom brand, Foula Condoms, found in Ebonyi and Katsina states. According to NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate, Foula Condoms were discovered in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, and Zango, Katsina, during a recent risk-based assessment of condoms in Nigeria. Notably, the labeling on these condoms is not in English, which raises concerns about their legitimacy and regulatory compliance.
NAFDAC officials emphasize that Foula Condoms lack NAFDAC’s regulatory approval, meaning that their safety, quality, and effectiveness cannot be verified. Condoms are essential for both contraception and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, and they must meet high-quality standards to ensure reliability. Substandard condoms can result in higher risks of failure, which compromises their role in preventing unintended pregnancies and STIs, particularly in a country where condom use is an important public health tool.
Highlighting the health risks posed by unregistered condoms, NAFDAC states that compromised products could significantly impact public confidence in condom effectiveness. Data shows that consistent condom use reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80%, and any decrease in reliability could have serious consequences for individuals and healthcare systems. NAFDAC is working closely with its regional directors and state coordinators to remove Foula Condoms from markets across Nigeria and to prevent their spread.
NAFDAC advises all importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution by purchasing medical products only from licensed suppliers to avoid unverified and potentially harmful products. The agency is urging healthcare providers and the general public to report any suspicious medical products or falsified items to the nearest NAFDAC office or through dedicated channels like NAFDAC’s toll-free number (0800-162-3322) and email (sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng). Reporting suspicious products helps NAFDAC to act swiftly and protect public health.
To further ensure safety, NAFDAC is encouraging healthcare professionals and users to report any adverse effects from medicinal products via the Med-Safety app or through NAFDAC’s e-reporting platform on their website. Public engagement in reporting incidents is vital to maintaining high standards in Nigeria’s health sector, particularly when it involves safeguarding the public from substandard health products.
