The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning over the widespread circulation of counterfeit Kiss condoms in markets across Nigeria, describing the development as a serious threat to public health.
The alert follows information received from DKT International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation involved in contraceptive social marketing, family planning promotion, and HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives.
According to NAFDAC, investigations revealed that fake Kiss condoms are being sold in several major commercial hubs, including Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and other locations nationwide.
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. NAFDAC cautioned that counterfeit versions do not provide the same level of safety or effectiveness.
“The use of fake condoms poses significant health risks due to poor manufacturing quality, lack of sterilisation, and absence of regulatory oversight,” the agency said. “Such products may fail to protect users against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.”
How to Identify Genuine Products
In a detailed advisory, NAFDAC outlined key features that distinguish original Kiss condoms from counterfeit products. Genuine condoms, the agency said, come with clear usage instructions, proper medical device information, accurate manufacturer and distributor details, storage guidelines, caution notices, and high-quality packaging images.
In contrast, fake products often display darker or inconsistent packaging, missing or incorrect addresses, incomplete manufacturer information, absence of caution details, poor print quality, and irregularities in barcode traceability.
The agency also noted differences in condom packs and wallets. Counterfeit versions may have altered colours, loosely printed brand names, limited instructional information, and missing medical device details. The condoms themselves were described as thinner, poorly lubricated, and structurally inferior to the original products.
Health Risks and Regulatory Action
NAFDAC warned that the use of fake condoms increases the risk of breakage, infections, allergic reactions, and a dangerous false sense of protection.
As part of its response, the agency said it has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify market surveillance and remove counterfeit Kiss condoms from circulation across the country.
The agency further advised distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals to source medical products only from authorised and licensed suppliers. “All medical products must be obtained from approved sources, and their authenticity and physical condition must be carefully verified,” it said.
Call for Public Vigilance
NAFDAC urged healthcare professionals and members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of substandard or falsified medical products to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official reporting channels, including hotlines, emails, and online pharmacovigilance platforms.
The agency added that details of the counterfeit Kiss condoms would be submitted to the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System as part of international efforts to curb the spread of falsified medical devices and safeguard public health.
