The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets.
FCCPC disclosed that most of the brands are smuggled from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia – and 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.
The Director, Corporate Affairs of the Agency, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
“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.
“Even more concerning, most of the products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being. 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.
“The FCCPC is also 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,” the statement reads in part.
Mr. Ijagwu noted that the smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries, such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.
He reassured the general public that, consistent with the provisions of the FCCPA 2018, the agency is taking decisive steps to address the issue.
“The Commission is committed to educating consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns. Nigerian consumers are encouraged 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,” he stressed.
Ijagwu said that the commission is also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market.
The statement added: “Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC. Reports can be made through the Commission’s email, contact@fccpc.gov.ng, or its official social media channels.”
