Public perceptions of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria and the European Union

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the perception and experience of counter pharmaceuticals in Nigeria compared to the European Union. Design/methodology/approach The findings from this paper are based upon a survey of 362 Nigerians sourced in public places with the data and then compared results from a survey by the European Union. Findings The key findings from this research showed some areas of similarity between Nigerians and Europeans on their views on the acceptability of purchasing counterfeits. However, Nigerians were more open to purchasing counterfeits despite the risks. There was also more anxiety over the risk of purchasing counterfeit medicines compared to the European Union. Research limitations/implications Due to security issues, survey data could only be sourced from Abuja, Lagos and the relatively peaceful southwestern region of Nigeria. The data is, therefore, not representative of Nigeria. Practical implications The purchasing experience of counterfeit medicines by Nigerians along with their anxieties highlights the need for more enforcement action to tackle this problem and reassure the public. Social implications The paper highlights the challenges of securing genuine pharmaceutical products in the Global South and the need for more greater cross-border action to tackle the problem. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first survey of Nigerian citizens on this issue.