The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has uncovered substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets. The FCCPC said the products include smuggled brands from Brazil such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia.
The FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the products failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements and undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market.
Acting on a tip-off, particularly in the South-West and North-East, 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.
Most of the products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being, with risks to blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among children and pregnant women.
“Smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability”.
He urged Nigerian consumers to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they carry proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.
Ijagwu also added that the FCCPC is intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other relevant agencies.
He said part of the commission’s efforts includes enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.
He urged customers to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered products to the Commission or through the commission’s email: ‘
