Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has raised concerns over the circulation of suspected fake and substandard products in Nigeria, urging authorities to strengthen measures to protect consumers.

Kadiri shared her concerns in a video posted on social media, warning that Nigerians buy food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics and household products believing they are safe, only to sometimes discover that some may be poorly produced, contaminated or counterfeit.

The actress recounted a personal experience involving garlic she had purchased. According to Kadiri, she blended the garlic and later returned to discover that it had changed colour and turned green. She said the experience increased her concerns about the safety of products available in the market.

Kadiri also expressed particular concern about products consumed by children, saying she had become more cautious about buying pre-packaged drinks for her children because of uncertainty over their contents.

She called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to intensify monitoring and inspections of products sold across the country. She also urged Nigerians who notice the production or sale of suspicious products in their communities to speak up and report them.

The actress advised parents and other consumers to check expiry dates and NAFDAC registration numbers before purchasing regulated products.

However, the fact that the garlic changed colour does not by itself prove that it was fake or contaminated. No independent laboratory test or official regulatory finding confirming the cause of the colour change was reported. Comments have nevertheless renewed discussion about consumer safety, counterfeit products and the need for stronger regulatory oversight in Nigeria.