The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning regarding the sale and distribution of an unregistered condom brand, known as “Foula Condoms,” currently found in circulation in Nigeria.
The agency’s Post-Marketing Surveillance directorate discovered the illegal product in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State, during a recent investigation focused on monitoring registered condom products in the country.
“The condom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the labelling of the product is not in the English Language,” NAFDAC stated in their official release, expressing concern about the potential dangers associated with unregulated products.
Highlighting the importance of using certified contraceptives, the agency elaborated, “Condoms are a proven effective barrier method that can be used as a dual-purpose method for both prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To be most effective, any barrier method used for contraception or preventing infection must be used correctly.”
The agency warned that the distribution and sale of unregistered condoms could pose serious risks, as the quality, safety, and effectiveness of such products cannot be assured.
“The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms will adversely affect every aspect of condom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection,” NAFDAC noted.
In response to the discovery, NAFDAC has mobilized its regional offices.
“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the unregistered products within the zones and states,” the agency confirmed, adding that importers, distributors, and retailers should carefully monitor their supply chains to avoid any unlicensed products.
NAFDAC advised that all medical products and devices be obtained only from authorized sources, and encouraged consumers to be vigilant. Suspicious products or devices should be reported to NAFDAC’s dedicated helplines at 0800-162-3322 or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
The agency further urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report adverse events related to medical products through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms or via the Med-Safety app, available on Android and iOS, or by emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
