Counterfeit Goods (Establishment) Bill

A Bill establishes a specialized legal framework and enforcement body to combat counterfeit goods in Nigeria. It strengthens penalties and targets the production, importation, and sale of fake products. This aims to protect consumers and safeguard intellectual property rights across the country.

Counterfeit Goods (Establishment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

A bill to establish a dedicated legal and institutional framework for combating the production, distribution, and sale of counterfeit goods in Nigeria, including the creation of a specialised enforcement body and strengthened penalties.

Who Does It Target?

Manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit goods Genuine brand owners and intellectual property rights holders Nigerian Customs Service, NAFDAC, SON, and FCCPC Consumers harmed by substandard counterfeit products

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish a centralised anti-counterfeiting enforcement agency Strengthen penalties for production, importation, and sale of counterfeit goods Protect consumers from dangerous counterfeit products in health, food, and electronics sectors Safeguard legitimate businesses and brand owners from economic losses due to counterfeiting

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Federal Government budget; fines and forfeitures from enforcement actions

How to Access

Businesses and consumers report counterfeit goods through the enforcement agency upon establishment. Requirements: Any person or business may lodge a complaint Evidence of counterfeit goods (samples, purchase receipts, photos) Brand owners may file civil claims alongside criminal complaints Application method: Agency hotline and online portal (to be established); interim reports via SON: www.son.gov.ng or NAFDAC: www.nafdac.gov.ng

Important Terms

Trafficking in counterfeit goods may attract up to 10 years imprisonment under proposed Act Seized counterfeit goods to be publicly destroyed to deter future violations Repeat offenders face asset forfeiture in addition to criminal penalties

Impact & Metrics

Counterfeiting costs the Nigerian economy an estimated ₦2.4 trillion annually; the bill targets a 60% reduction in counterfeit goods circulation within 5 years of enactment.

Official Resources

Website: www.son.gov.ng | www.nafdac.gov.ng Contact: SON — [email protected] | NAFDAC — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; Trade Marks Act; Copyright Act 2022; Patents and Designs Act; Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023; TRIPS Agreement (WTO)