The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and senior Christian clerics have sounded an urgent warning about the circulation of counterfeit Goya oil in Nigeria, raising concerns over public health and safety.

The Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy said churches lack the capacity to identify fake or adulterated anointing oil and urged NAFDAC to strengthen enforcement efforts to protect worshippers and consumers.

The warning follows the recent discovery by NAFDAC officials of an illegal factory producing fake Goya oil in the Oke-Arin market area of Idumota, Lagos State. The counterfeit product, often sold in plastic (PET) bottles, was found to be mixed with burnt palm oil and colouring agents before being repackaged to resemble the genuine brand.

Goya oil, widely used both as a premium edible oil and as anointing oil in churches for prayers, healing and spiritual protection, has become a target for counterfeiters capitalising on its popularity among Nigerians.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the International Secretary of the clerical body, Osazee William, commended NAFDAC’s operation, describing the discovery as “timely and commendable.” He emphasised that churches cannot be expected to detect counterfeit products brought to them, saying it is the responsibility of regulatory agencies to safeguard the public against unsafe products.

NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, reiterated that Goya oil sold in PET plastic bottles is fake and unlicensed, adding that the only legitimate product is imported in original bottles by authorised dealers. He disclosed that the agency recovered equipment, stoves and empty bottles at the illegal production site.

Iluyomade warned that many Nigerians may be unknowingly using the harmful, counterfeit product and urged religious organisations to stop the sale of PET-bottled Goya oil during gatherings. He also appealed to the public to report suspected counterfeiting activities to the nearest NAFDAC office and advised that offenders would be prosecuted.

In related enforcement actions, NAFDAC also arrested a suspect, identified as Moses Nelson, in connection with the distribution of adulterated and counterfeit alcoholic drinks. Empty exotic alcohol bottles, sachets and PET-bottled alcoholic products were recovered from his residence in Badagry, Lagos State.

The agency reiterated its commitment to pursuing counterfeiters endangering Nigerians’ health for quick profit and urged citizens to remain vigilant against substandard and falsified products.