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Explainers

Fake Nivea, Listerine and KY Jelly Seized in Warri: How to Spot Fake Cosmetics in Nigeria

NAFDAC says the last authorised supply of KY Jelly came in over five years ago, so any on the market is suspect. Here is how to check before you buy.

Fake Nivea and KY Jelly seized. Is yours real?

Traders at Igbudu Market in Warri watched NAFDAC officers, backed by the DSS and soldiers, go shop to shop this month and carry out products bearing the Nivea, Listerine, SC Johnson and KY Jelly names.

The agency suspects they are counterfeit. On the lubricant, a NAFDAC official was blunt: the licence holders say the last authorised supply of KY Jelly came in more than five years ago. “Any KY Jelly in the market you see today is suspect,” the official said.

Fake cosmetics in Nigeria are not just wasted money. They go on your skin, in your mouth and on your private parts, and nobody knows what is inside.

Before you buy, find the NAFDAC number and check it on NAFDAC’s registered products list. Walk away from blurry print, misspelt labels and prices far below the supermarket. Counterfeiters now manufacture inside Nigeria, so a familiar brand is no guarantee.

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Sources

  1. ThisDay, "NAFDAC raids Delta market, seizes suspected fake Nivea, Listerine, KY Jelly products", November 9, 2026, https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/11/09/nafdac-raids-delta-market-seizes-suspected-fake-nivea-listerine-ky-jelly-products/
  2. PM News, "NAFDAC raids Warri market, seizes fake Nivea, Listerine", November 8, 2026, https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/11/08/nafdac-raids-warri-market-seizes-fake-nivea-listerine/
  3. Dubawa, "Four ways NAFDAC wants you to verify authenticity of medicine before purchase", June 21, 2023, https://dubawa.org/four-ways-nafdac-wants-you-to-verify-authenticity-of-medicine-before-purchase/

This does not replace seeing a health worker. If you notice these signs, visit your nearest primary health centre or speak to a doctor or nurse. Any costs mentioned are general estimates and vary by facility and state.

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