Nigerian food critic Opeyemi Famakin has criticised some Igbo social media users for allegedly describing concerns about counterfeit products as tribalism and Igbophobia.
In a video shared online, Famakin claimed that Kano is Nigeria’s second-largest hub for counterfeit products and alleged that Igbo traders are heavily involved in the trade.
“Are you guys not tired of using tribalism and Igbophobia? All of us are dying. All of us are dying from this fake,” he said.
Famakin warned that counterfeit drinks, alcoholic beverages and other consumable products pose serious health risks to Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic background.
He clarified that his criticism was directed at individuals involved in producing and selling fake products, rather than the entire Igbo community. He also described Igbo people as some of the nicest people he has encountered offline.
The food critic further acknowledged the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in tackling counterfeit products, while arguing that the agency could do more.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise public health and consumer safety over ethnic disagreements, stressing that the dangers associated with fake products affect everyone.