Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, National First-Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association, has highlighted the severe health risks posed by fake and adulterated products in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of consuming healthy, natural foods instead of processed ones, which often harm health.
While addressing the issue of substandard goods in the country, Dr. Olowojebutu, while speaking on News Central’s TV programme, Jasiri, criticised regulatory lapses, attributing the problem to the inefficiency of government bodies responsible for monitoring product quality. He explained that some products sold in Nigeria would not meet the standards required in other countries.
“Do you know that the brand we drink in this country tastes different abroad? That means the regulatory bodies here are allowing substandard products. These same drinks wouldn’t be allowed in the US,” he stated. He urged regulators to prioritise protecting Nigerians over economic considerations.
Dr. Olowojebutu also expressed concern over the younger demographic being affected by health issues traditionally associated with older people. He observed a worrying rise in cases of kidney failure among teenagers due to the consumption of fake drugs and unregulated products.
He noted that hypertension and diabetes, the leading causes of kidney failure, are often poorly managed because counterfeit medications flood the market. “Young people, as early as 18 or 19, are experiencing kidney failure. Many are unknowingly taking fake BP medications, which fail to control their blood pressure effectively,” he said.
Dr. Olowojebutu criticised the widespread misuse of substances, such as alcohol and unregulated medications, which worsens health problems. He pointed out that some Nigerians resort to harmful substances to cope with economic stress, leading to further health complications.
“People try to ‘kill thinking’ by taking things like sepe or monkey tail, but they are also killing themselves. These substances overload the body, damaging vital organs like the kidneys and liver,” he warned.
As part of the solution, Dr. Olowojebutu encouraged Nigerians to embrace gardening and rely on fresh, home-grown produce. He advised: “Buy green plantains and let them ripen naturally in your home. Economic hardship has made people cut corners, but we need to return to the culture of patience and eating right, like our parents did.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritise health over convenience, emphasising that a healthy population is key to a thriving economy.
Watch the interview below.
