The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has uncovered the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets.
FCCPC in a statement by its Director Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the discovered smuggled brands are from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia.
According to Ijagwu, “The products, which failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, pose serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market.”
Ijagwu stated that the absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
“Acting on a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and the North-East.”
“The investigations revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.”
Ijagwu also said the FCCPC is deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products.
“The influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards.”
“Importers of these substandard products engage in price manipulation to the detriment of genuine producers and consumers, while pretending that the products are genuine, this jeopardises the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also erodes consumer trust in the market.”
“FCCPC wishes to reassure the general public that, consistent with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, it is taking decisive steps to address this issue.”
Ijagwu encouraged Nigerian consumers to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they carry proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.
“The FCCPC is intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies. These efforts include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.” Ijagwu added.
Olusola Akintonde
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