Exploring AfriTrack's Role in the Fight Against Counterfeit Products: AfriHealth on TVC News
AfriHealth’s Chief Technology Officer, Michael Adebola-Falade, recently appeared on Wake Up Nigeria on TVC News to discuss product traceability in Nigeria and how technology can help tackle counterfeit products.
During the conversation, Michael explained how track and trace works, what it means for pharmaceutical manufacturers and consumers, and how solutions such as AfriTrack can support efforts to protect product integrity.
Watch the full conversation on TVC News to hear Michael discuss the role of track and trace in protecting products and improving supply-chain visibility.
Understanding the Track and Trace Initiative in Nigeria
Track and trace is a way of identifying products and recording their movement through the supply chain. It helps stakeholders follow a product’s journey from the manufacturer to distributors, pharmacies, retailers, and, ultimately, consumers.
In Nigeria, NAFDAC’s Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) has enabled consumers to authenticate certain products using a PIN. Track and trace goes further by giving individual product packs a verifiable digital identity and recording their movement through the supply chain.
The difference is important. Product authentication helps consumers check whether a product is genuine, while track and trace provides additional visibility into where a product has been and how it has moved through the distribution network.
AfriHealth is one of the accredited solution providers involved in Nigeria’s traceability initiative, with AfriTrack supporting traceability for several businesses in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
How AfriTrack Supports Product Traceability
How can a manufacturer follow the journey of a medicine after it leaves the factory?
With a traceability system, each product pack can have a unique identity, while records are created as it moves from the manufacturer to distributors, pharmacies, and even the pharmacy around the corner in Lagos.
These records help stakeholders understand where products have been and investigate unusual movements.
For example, if a product is recorded in the system as being distributed to Kano but later appears in Jigawa State, the unexpected location can raise a concern. Stakeholders can investigate how the product got there and whether it may be counterfeit or part of an unauthorized distribution channel. This is one way track and trace can help identify suspicious products and support efforts to tackle counterfeiting.
AfriTrack supports this process by helping businesses improve visibility into how their products move through the supply chain.
What Traceability Means for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
Counterfeit products can cost manufacturers revenue, damage their reputations, and weaken consumer confidence in their brands. Traceability gives manufacturers another way to protect their products and improve oversight of their distribution networks.
One example discussed during the interview is geofencing. This allows businesses to define geographical boundaries and receive alerts when products appear outside their expected locations. For instance, if a manufacturer expects a product to be distributed within a particular region but it appears elsewhere, the system can flag the movement for investigation.
This does not necessarily mean the manufacturer can physically stop the product from reaching that location. Instead, it provides information that can help the manufacturer identify unusual distribution patterns and take appropriate action.
Although implementing traceability requires investment in technology and infrastructure, manufacturers also need to consider the cost of counterfeiting, including lost sales, reputational damage, and reduced consumer trust.
With better supply-chain visibility, manufacturers can make more informed decisions about product distribution and strengthen their efforts to protect their brands.
Beyond Pharmaceuticals: Traceability for Other Consumer Products
Although Nigeria’s current track-and-trace requirements discussed in the interview focus on pharmaceutical products, the technology can also support businesses in other industries.
Consider skincare products, cosmetics, packaged foods, and beverages. Consumers want to know that the products they buy are genuine, while manufacturers need ways to protect their brands, safeguard revenue, and monitor how their products move through the supply chain.
AfriTrack can support businesses beyond the pharmaceutical sector, including those in skincare, cosmetics, food, and beverages. By helping businesses identify individual products and improve visibility into their distribution, traceability can support product verification and the investigation of suspicious activity.
While these industries are not currently covered by the pharmaceutical traceability requirements discussed above, businesses can still explore how traceability solutions could help them protect their products and improve supply-chain oversight.
What Does Track and Trace Mean for Nigerian Consumers?
For consumers, the question is simple: How can you be more confident that the product you are buying is genuine?
Product traceability can help by making it possible to establish a product’s identity and follow its journey through the supply chain. This supports efforts to identify suspicious products and gives manufacturers and other stakeholders more information to investigate potential counterfeiting.
During the TVC News interview, Michael explained the goal of enabling consumers to scan a barcode and access information about a product to help them determine whether it is what it claims to be.
Ultimately, traceability is one part of a broader effort to protect consumers. Regulators, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers all have roles to play. Consumers should also remain vigilant, buy from reputable sources, and follow available product verification guidance.
Nigeria's Traceability Initiative and Global Standards
Product traceability is already used in many countries, supported by global standards for identifying products and recording supply-chain information.
During the interview, Michael highlighted the role of GS1, the global standards organization whose standards support product identification and traceability across more than 100 countries.
Nigeria’s initiative draws on this broader approach, adapting traceability to local regulatory and industry needs. As implementation continues, collaboration among NAFDAC, manufacturers, technology providers, and other supply-chain stakeholders will remain important.
Watch the Full Conversation on TVC News
Michael Adebola-Falade’s appearance on Wake Up Nigeria explored how track and trace works, why it matters to manufacturers and consumers, and how technology can support efforts to tackle counterfeit products in Nigeria.
Watch the full conversation to hear Michael explain these issues in more detail.
If your organization is exploring ways to improve product traceability and supply-chain visibility, AfriTrack may be able to help.