Fake Colgate Toothpaste in Nigeria: What NAFDAC Found in Kaduna and How to Spot It
In April 2026, NAFDAC discovered two unregistered counterfeit toothpaste products in Kaduna State sold under the name "Coglaet" — a deliberate misspelling of Colgate. The fake products, Coglaet ActivGel and Coglaet Herbal, carried no NAFDAC registration number, no batch number, and no verified manufacturer information. They were being distributed through door-to-door sales agents across retail shops. NAFDAC has directed nationwide surveillance to remove the products from circulation. Nigerians are advised to check the spelling of their toothpaste brand, verify the NAFDAC number on VerifyProduct.ng, and buy personal care products only from registered and reputable outlets.
On 19 April 2026, NAFDAC issued Public Alert No. 022/2026, warning Nigerians about the circulation of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste in the country. The alert came after NAFDAC's Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate received a complaint about suspicious products being distributed in Kaduna State.
Most Nigerians assume that the fake product problem is limited to drugs and food. This alert is a reminder that counterfeiters also target everyday products that go directly into our mouths.
What NAFDAC's Investigators Found
Following the complaint, a team of post-marketing surveillance officers visited the retail outlet where the suspicious products were being sold. They discovered two unregistered and suspected counterfeit products that had been designed to look like Colgate toothpaste.
The Two Fake Products
The counterfeit items found were labelled as follows:
Coglaet ActivGel 100g and Coglaet Herbal 100g.
Notice the name. The real brand is Colgate. The fake version uses the name Coglaet, a deliberate misspelling designed to appear close enough to the original to deceive buyers, while being technically different enough for the counterfeiters to claim it is a separate product.
Where Did the Products Come From
When NAFDAC officers questioned the shop owner, they were told the products had been purchased from a door-to-door sales representative. No proof of purchase was provided. This is a significant red flag.
Counterfeit product networks in Nigeria frequently use door-to-door sales agents to penetrate retail shops, particularly in states outside the major commercial hubs where surveillance is less frequent.
What Makes These Products Dangerous
No NAFDAC Registration
NAFDAC confirmed that neither Coglaet ActivGel 100g nor Coglaet Herbal 100g is registered with the agency. This means neither product has been tested for safety, efficacy, or quality. The ingredients, their quantities, and their source are completely unknown.
No Batch Number or Registration Code
Investigations further revealed that the fake products lack essential identification markers, including batch numbers and NAFDAC registration codes. These are the most basic minimum requirements for any regulated consumer product sold in Nigeria.
Unknown Chemical Composition
A toothpaste that goes into your mouth and your children's mouths twice a day carries a significant risk if it contains harmful substances. Without registration and quality testing, there is no way to know what is actually inside these counterfeit tubes.
How to Identify Genuine Colgate
1. Check the NAFDAC Number
Every genuine Colgate product registered for sale in Nigeria has a NAFDAC registration number printed on the packaging. This number begins with a recognised prefix such as 'A5', 'A8', or a pharmaceutical equivalent, depending on the product category. Go to VerifyProduct.ng and search the number to confirm it is registered.
2. Check the Spelling
The genuine brand name is Colgate, spelt C-O-L-G-A-T-E. The fake version found in Kaduna used the spelling Coglaet. This kind of deliberate misspelling is a classic counterfeit technique. Always look carefully at the brand name printed on any toothpaste you buy.
3. Look for Batch Numbers and Manufacturing Information
Genuine Colgate packaging includes a clearly printed batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and the name and address of the manufacturer, Colgate-Palmolive. If any of these are missing or unclear, the product may not be genuine.
4. Check the Packaging Quality
The print quality on genuine Colgate packaging is sharp and uniform. Counterfeit products often show signs of poor-quality printing, including slight blurring, inconsistent font sizes, and colours that look slightly off compared to the original.
5. Buy From Trusted Outlets
Purchase toothpaste and personal care products from registered supermarkets, pharmacies, and reputable retail chains. Avoid buying from roadside vendors, open market stalls, or social media sellers who cannot confirm the source of their products.
Why This Matters Beyond One Kaduna Shop
The discovery of counterfeit Colgate in Kaduna is not an isolated incident. NAFDAC's alert specifically noted that all zonal directors and state coordinators had been directed to conduct surveillance across their zones, which suggests the product may have spread beyond the single retail outlet where it was initially found.
If a door-to-door representative was distributing it in one Kaduna shop, they were almost certainly distributing it in others.
What to Do If You Have Bought Suspicious Toothpaste
Stop using it immediately and keep it as evidence. Report the product and the shop where you bought it to NAFDAC by calling 0800-162-3322 or emailing sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng. You can also use the Report Fake feature on VerifyProduct.ng. If you or any family member has experienced any reaction, including mouth irritation, unusual taste, or any other side effect after using a suspected counterfeit toothpaste, consult a healthcare provider.
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