There is availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has revealed.
The FCCPC said the products include such smuggled brands from Brazil as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Ajffairs at FCCPC, said the products, which failed to meet mandatjory Vitamin A fortification requirements, posed serious health risks to consumers.
Ijagwu said the substandard products undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market.
Read the statement: “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 such vulnerable groups as children and pregnant women.
“The FCCPC is also deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products”.
Ijagwu said the influx of smuggled sugar undermined fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards.
He said importers of the substandard products engaged in price manipulation to the detriment of genuine producers and consumers while pretending that the products were genuine.
The Director said this jeopardised the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also eroded consumer trust in the market.
Said Ijagwu: “Smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighbouring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.
“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.
“The Commission is committed to educating consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns”.
He urged Nigerian consumers to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they carry proper labelling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.
Ijagwu also added that the FCCPC was 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 included enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.
The Director said the FCCPC was also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market.
He advised customers to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the Commission.
Ijagwu said reports could be made through the Commission’s email: contact@fccpc.gov.ng, or its official social media channels.
