The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) strongly condemns the stigmatization and ethnic stereotyping of Ndigbo in discussions concerning the production and distribution of fake and adulterated drugs, drinks, food items and other consumer products in Nigeria.
Our attention has been drawn to a recent video by popular Nigerian food critic, Opeyemi Famakin, in which he discussed the dangers of counterfeit products and made allegations linking Igbo traders to the trade. While FOSAD acknowledges the seriousness of the problem and condemns every form of counterfeit production and distribution, we reject any narrative that portrays an entire ethnic group as responsible for criminal activities.
The production and sale of fake drugs, adulterated drinks, contaminated food and substandard consumer products constitute serious threats to public health and national wellbeing. Such practices expose innocent Nigerians to avoidable illnesses, injuries and deaths. FOSAD therefore supports every lawful effort to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and businesses involved in these criminal activities, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or regional backgrounds.
However, the fight against counterfeit products must not become a platform for ethnic profiling, collective blame or the promotion of prejudice against the Igbo people. Allegations against particular individuals or businesses must not be generalized to an entire ethnic nationality. The misconduct of a trader, manufacturer or distributor cannot reasonably be used to condemn millions of people who have no connection with the alleged offences.
FOSAD considers the tone and implications of Famakin’s remarks troubling to the extent that they reinforce ethnic profiling and risk deepening existing prejudices against Ndigbo. Public figures, including social commentators, influencers and content creators, must recognize the influence of their platforms and exercise greater responsibility when addressing sensitive national issues.
Although Famakin has stated that his criticism is directed at those involved in counterfeit production rather than the entire Igbo community, such clarification must be accompanied by careful language that avoids reinforcing stereotypes. It is possible to condemn criminal conduct firmly without attributing collective guilt to an ethnic group.
FOSAD also cautions against the use of inflammatory rhetoric that could be interpreted as hate speech or contribute to ethnic hostility. Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than a justification for suspicion, discrimination and division. At a time when the country faces numerous economic, security and public health challenges, responsible public engagement is essential to preserving national unity and mutual respect.
We therefore call on Famakin and other individuals who use public platforms to discuss criminal activities to desist from statements that could incite ethnic resentment or create disaffection among Nigerians. Criticism should be directed at identifiable conduct, supported by verifiable evidence, and expressed in language that promotes accountability rather than prejudice.
FOSAD further calls on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to remain resolute in discharging its statutory responsibilities. The agency must strengthen surveillance, inspections, laboratory testing and enforcement against the manufacture, importation and distribution of fake and adulterated products. It should ensure that offenders are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while communicating its findings transparently to the public.
Where evidence establishes that particular individuals or businesses are involved in these activities, they should face the full consequences of the law. Such enforcement must be impartial and must not be influenced by ethnicity, political connections, commercial interests or regional considerations.
FOSAD reiterates that protecting Nigerians from fake drugs, drinks, food and other harmful products is a collective responsibility. It is a public health imperative that demands cooperation among regulatory agencies, manufacturers, traders, consumer protection groups, the media and citizens.
The Igbo people, like every other Nigerian ethnic group, comprise individuals with different occupations, values and conduct. No community should be collectively stigmatized because of the alleged wrongdoing of some of its members. Equally, no individual should be shielded from investigation or prosecution because of ethnic identity.
Signed:
Dr Stephen Nwala
President
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
www.fosads.org
