By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered the presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets.
According to a statement issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs of the commission, 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 the Benin Republic, further complicate enforcement and traceability efforts.
They encouraged 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.
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.
