On social media, Nigerians are voicing their displeasure at the crackdown on the sellers of counterfeit goods.

In today’s rapidly advancing technological world, the issue of counterfeit goods circulating within Nigeria is on the rise. Nigerian regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies have been actively engaging in the fight against this by arresting and incarcerating those involved in the counterfeiting of goods.

Legislation has been put forward by Senator Ibikunle Amosun aimed at combatting the rise in counterfeit goods.

Reflecting on the crackdown on sellers of counterfeit goods, Reno Omokri, a Nigerian author and prominent social media influencer, took to social media in late December to voice his opinion on the jailing of counterfeiters. He advocated for more constructive measures that could potentially enhance the Nigerian economy through the adoption of technology.

Whenever regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies in Nigeria identify and nab counterfeiters, whether of foods and beverages or designer brands, phones, electronics or pharmaceuticals, we should not just send them to jail and throw away the keys.

Instead, we should have an…

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) December 19, 2023

In response to Reno Omokri’s tweet, Gideon Philip expressed his support:

For the first time in a long while you are making a lot of sense. Creating an enabling environment for these counterfeiters to use their skills legally will benefit the nation in the long run. You talk well today.

— gideon phillip (@gippyyy) December 19, 2023

Balogun Ridwan, another user, tweeted his agreement:

Definitely.. to do the right thing is not the problem.
I guess the acceptance is the important thing.
Even If the so called fake meets the standard of SON and NAFDAC, will the social acceptance be there..
Our right attitude to locally produced products that is certified is…

— Balogun Ridwan (@BalogunREADONE) December 19, 2023

Journalists Against Poverty, an independent organization leveraging media to fight poverty, corruption, and underdevelopment in Nigeria, called on policymakers to heed Omokri’s message.

Policy makers should adopt the recommendation of @renoomokri. Technology can never be transferred. It is a big deception. We need to develop our home-grown technology and perfect it to international standards. Otherwise, we will forever remain a consumer nation.

— Journalists Against Poverty (@JournalistsAga3) December 20, 2023