A video clip shared by concerned user warns of health risks as footage of vendors handling dried fish sparks outrage, skepticism, and calls for regulatory action
The video circulating on social media Friday morning has raised alarms over food safety in Nigeria, with claims that some traders are applying black shoe polish to dried fish to make it appear shinier and more appealing to buyers.
The clip posted around 4:50 a.m. GMT on October 16, 2026, shows men in a market-like setting handling large pieces of dried fish. One man in a yellow shirt is seen rubbing or applying a substance to the fish while seated near containers and other stock. A split-screen reaction features a woman in an orange top and white-framed glasses expressing visible distress and speaking about the practice.
The accompanying caption reads: “💔💔💔Just look at what these guys are doing. Using black shoe polish to polish the dry fish so that they can shine. Pls be careful where you eat, people are too wicked and they would do anything for money.”
Within hours, the post had amassed over 130,000 views, more than 1,000 likes, and nearly 1,000 reposts, with users amplifying the warning. Some accounts framed it as deliberate poisoning, noting that shoe polish contains toxic chemicals such as solvents, dyes, and potentially nitrobenzene that are not safe for human consumption and could contribute to organ damage over time.
Calls directed at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the police urged raids and investigations.
However, not all reactions accepted the claim at face value. Several users with experience selling dried fish pushed back, describing the video as a possible false alarm. One commenter who said they had previously sold dried fish explained that traders commonly use groundnut oil applied with a clean foam or brush to remove dust, enhance appearance, and help preserve the product.
Others noted that black shoe polish would not make economic sense compared with cheaper edible oils and questioned whether any polish container was clearly visible in the footage.
As of Friday afternoon, neither NAFDAC nor any state food safety authority had issued an official statement confirming the practice, identifying the location of the vendors, or verifying the substance being applied. The exact market and date of the original recording remain unconfirmed in public reports.
Dried fish, known locally as stockfish or by various regional names, is a staple protein source across Nigeria and is widely sold in open markets.
Food adulteration scandals have periodically surfaced in the country, ranging from contaminated palm oil to fake spices, often prompting public caution and regulatory crackdowns. Experts and consumer advocates routinely advise buyers to thoroughly wash dried fish, inspect it carefully, and purchase from trusted sources.
The rapid spread of the video underscores ongoing public anxiety about everyday food safety and the lengths some sellers may go for profit. While the claims remain unverified by authorities, the episode has renewed conversations about stronger market monitoring and consumer vigilance. Officials have previously encouraged the public to report suspicious food practices through proper channels rather than relying solely on unverified social media content.
No arrests or formal investigations linked to this specific video had been announced at the time of writing.
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