23 hours ago
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In Accordance with Sections 17(j), (l), (s), 116(2), 124, 125, 138, and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered the presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets. These include smuggled brands from Brazil such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia. These products, which fail to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification standards, pose significant health risks, destabilize the local sugar industry, and contribute to harmful price manipulation.
Acting on credible intelligence, FCCPC operatives conducted investigations, particularly in the South-West and North-East regions, uncovering a troubling pattern. Many of the identified sugar brands lacked proper labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration. Additionally, most of these products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a vital nutrient critical for good vision, immune health, and general well-being. This deficiency places consumers, especially children and pregnant women, at risk of blindness, infections, and other health challenges.
The FCCPC also highlighted the economic consequences of these substandard products. Their influx undermines fair competition by disadvantaging local producers who comply with regulatory standards. Smuggled sugar, often sold at manipulated prices, erodes consumer trust, threatens the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry, and destabilizes the market.
Smuggling operations, facilitated through porous borders such as those with Cameroon and Benin Republic, further complicate enforcement and traceability efforts.
The FCCPC reassures Nigerians that it is taking firm measures to address the issue in line with the FCCPA 2018. Key initiatives include: Nationwide Consumer Awareness Campaigns, educating the public on the dangers of consuming unregistered and non-fortified sugar products.
In a similar vein is verification advocacy by encouraging consumers to check for proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.
Strengthening collaborations with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled products through enhanced inspections and market monitoring.
Also is the commission’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in the Industry, by always working with them to uphold quality standards, support local producers, and ensure fair competition in the sugar market.
As contained in the statement issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs of the commission, Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC via email at contact@fccpc.gov.ng or through its official social media platforms.
The FCCPC remains committed to safeguarding the health and economic well-being of Nigerians and ensuring a fair and transparent market environment.
