The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sounded an urgent warning to Nigerians regarding the alarming availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in the market. These products, largely smuggled from Brazil, include brands such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia. According to FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, these sugar products fail to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements and pose significant health risks to consumers.
Ijagwu emphasized that the absence of Vitamin A fortification in these products is particularly concerning. Vitamin A is a critical nutrient that supports good vision, strengthens the immune system, and promotes overall well-being. Without this essential fortification, consumers—especially vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women—are at risk of severe health problems, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections.
Economic Implications and Market Manipulation
Beyond the health risks, the FCCPC is also deeply concerned about the economic impact of these substandard products. The infiltration of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition by placing undue pressure on local producers who adhere to regulatory standards. Importers of these substandard products manipulate prices, deceiving consumers and hurting genuine producers. This practice erodes consumer trust and jeopardizes the sustainability of Nigeria’s sugar industry.
“Smuggling, often facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts,” Ijagwu stated. The inability to trace these products due to the lack of proper labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration, makes addressing the issue even more challenging.
FCCPC’s Response and Consumer Awareness Campaigns
The FCCPC has assured the public of its commitment to tackling this issue in line with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018. Acting on credible intelligence, FCCPC operatives conducted investigations across the country, with a focus on the South-West and North-East regions. These investigations confirmed the widespread availability of non-compliant sugar products.
To protect Nigerian consumers, the FCCPC is rolling out nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar. Ijagwu urged consumers to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ensuring they carry proper labeling, NAFDAC registration, and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.
Collaboration with Stakeholders and Enforcement Actions
The FCCPC is intensifying enforcement efforts in collaboration with key agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). These efforts include enhanced surveillance, follow-up market inspections, and disruption of the supply chains of smuggled sugar products. Additionally, the Commission is engaging industry stakeholders to promote adherence to quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition in the sugar market.
Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC. The Commission’s proactive approach aims to safeguard public health, restore confidence in the market, and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s sugar industry.
By addressing the influx of harmful and illegal sugar products, the FCCPC demonstrates its dedication to protecting both the health and economic well-being of Nigerians.
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