In the latest episode of “Only in Nigeria,” a TikTok user’s so-called “organic” weight-gain pap for babies has sparked outrage and deep concern among Nigerians. The product, which promises miraculous weight gain for infants, has triggered an uproar on X.com (formerly Twitter), with health experts and citizens alike urging the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to step in. What exactly is in this mystery pap, and why does it feel like we’re setting up these babies for disaster?
The drama started when users on X.com shared videos originally posted by the TikTok user #purelyorganicc. One video proudly showcased a four-month-old baby allegedly transformed by the pap, with the caption, “POV: My customer’s baby while using our baby’s weight gain pap. Now tell me why you haven’t gotten our products yet. Baby is only four months old.” Another post took the absurdity to a whole new level, claiming a one-year-old baby weighed a staggering 47 kilograms. 47 kg for a toddler.
Nigerians quickly took to social media to call out the madness. Popular health influencer Dr. Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, didn’t hold back, tweeting, “Dear #NafdacAgency, I’m guessing this is within your purview. No one knows what is inside that pap. Also, this is setting these babies up for damage.” His post echoed the sentiments of many, with users like #JaceTheJace and #Talk2veee amplifying the alarm.
#JaceTheJace didn’t mince words either, sharing screenshots and videos while calling for immediate action. “She doesn’t even know what’s inside the so-called pap. I’ve emailed child help and domestic violence organisations; I don’t know who to reach out to again. We need to do something about this rubbish before babies start dying!” Another user, #Talk2veee, questioned the obsession with overly chubby babies, writing, “What’s the obsession with chubby babies? Are slim babies unhealthy?”
Screenshots of glowing “reviews” from parents only added fuel to the fire. One particularly shocking review read, “We are four months. She is doing wonders. People dey gather her; they call her boss baby. Madam, what are you feeding her with? E choke, my baby na celeb everywhere we dey. The joy is heavenly.” Joy? Or setting up a child for lifelong health complications? You decide.
Despite the growing outcry, NAFDAC has yet to publicly respond. The silence is deafening. Nigerians are demanding transparency and action, calling for an investigation into the ingredients and safety of the product. After all, this isn’t just about a viral trend, it’s about the lives and health of innocent babies.
And let’s not ignore the bigger question here, Why are we so fixated on fat babies? Sure, “chubby cheeks” have long been a sign of health and wealth in certain cultures, but at what cost? Promoting unregulated concoctions as quick fixes for baby weight gain is not only irresponsible but potentially deadly.
NAFDAC, if you’re listening, it’s time to do your job. This is not the time for bureaucratic delays or half-baked press statements. Nigerians deserve quick action, and more importantly, these babies deserve protection. Because if we wait until the first tragedy strikes, the hashtags and outrage won’t bring back the lives lost.
