The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a nationwide warning over the circulation of counterfeit Kiss Condoms, describing the development as a major public health risk.
The alert followed a report from DKT International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation involved in contraceptive social marketing and the promotion of family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.
According to NAFDAC, investigations revealed that fake Kiss Condoms are being sold in several major commercial centres across the country. Affected locations include Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu and other parts of Nigeria.
Kiss Condom is a male latex condom brand designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis. However, NAFDAC cautioned that counterfeit versions of the product do not provide the same level of protection.
“The use of fake condoms poses serious health risks due to poor quality, lack of sterilisation and absence of regulatory oversight,” the agency said. “This could result in ineffective protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.”
To help consumers identify genuine products, NAFDAC released a detailed advisory highlighting key differences between original and counterfeit Kiss Condoms. Authentic products feature clear usage instructions, medical device information, complete manufacturer and distributor addresses, proper storage guidelines and high-quality packaging images.
In contrast, fake products often have darker or inconsistent packaging, missing or incorrect addresses, incomplete manufacturer details, poor printing quality, lack of caution information and barcode inconsistencies.
NAFDAC also noted variations in condom packs and wallets. Counterfeit versions may display altered colours, loosely written brand names, limited instructional details and missing medical device information. The condoms themselves were described as thinner, less lubricated and structurally different from the original products.
Warning of the dangers, the agency said risks associated with fake condoms include breakage, infections, allergic reactions and a false sense of protection.
As part of its response, NAFDAC announced that it has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and begin the removal of falsified Kiss Condoms from markets nationwide.
The agency advised distributors, retailers and healthcare professionals to source medical products only from authorised and licensed suppliers and to carefully verify product authenticity before sale or use.
NAFDAC also urged members of the public and healthcare workers to report suspected cases of substandard or falsified medical products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official hotlines, email addresses and online reporting platforms.
The agency added that details of the counterfeit Kiss Condoms will be submitted to the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System as part of global efforts to combat falsified medical products and protect public health
