Counterfeit war: Guinness, Diageo prepare anti-counterfeit operatives

By Princewill Ekwujuru

GUINNESS Nigeria and Diageo brands Nigeria have collaborated to organise a workshop to  develop the skills of field operatives of law enforcement regulatory agencies in the detection of counterfeit spirit and beer products.

Speaking, Devlin Hainsworth, Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria at the Anti Counterfeit Workshop for Law Enforcement Regulatory Agencies in Lagos, said the need to safeguard the wellbeing of Nigerians consumers as well as the beer and spirit industry gave rise to the initiative.

According to him, “counterfeit products are not only potentially harmful to consumers but also have a negative impact on the local economy and on supporting local innovation. He said that while government was doing a lot in the fight against counterfeit products, private sector efforts were also needed to achieve success.”

Continuing, he said, “We will continue to support government efforts to reduce the proliferation of counterfeit products in our market.”

Hainsworth said the training is also part of the stakeholder engagement efforts by Guinness Nigeria Plc and Diageo to support and build capacity for regulatory agencies charged with the responsibility of curbing the sale of counterfeit and substandard products in Nigeria.  Participants at the workshop included officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).

The Workshop content covered the risks associated with counterfeit products, types of counterfeit and how to identify/detect counterfeit spirit and beer brands manufactured in or smuggled into the country. There was also a session on Diageo authentication tools – devices used to authenticate unopened products. Attendees also took part in an interactive DRINK IQ training session where they were instructed on responsible drinking and the dangers of alcohol misuse.

Serif Olagunju, Deputy Director Enforcements (Spirits) of the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who attended the Workshop commended the efforts of Guinness Nigeria and Diageo urging other brand owners, enforcement agencies and interested parties to join the fight against the increasingly rampant product counterfeiting and piracy in Nigeria.

“Factors that contribute to counterfeiting in Nigeria range from the lack of consumer enlightenment on the dangers of counterfeit products to the perceived cheaper cost of such products. Counterfeit products are harmful and should be avoided.” he said.

Emmanuel Umaru, Brand Assurance Manager Guinness Nigeria who facilitated the workshop said the battle against counterfeit products is the collective responsibility of government, brand owners and even consumers.

“The Nigerian government should tighten its laws and measures against counterfeiting. There is the need for improved communication with consumers and policies for better surveillance, control and prevention of the public health risks associated with counterfeit products. Consumers need to be aware so they do not purchase counterfeit or substandard products.” he said.

The Anti Counterfeit Workshop for law enforcement regulatory agencies is a Guinness Nigeria initiative to support the beverage manufacturing industry in Nigeria.