By Godfrey AKON
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, says it has uncovered substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets smuggled from Brazil.
The commission, in a statement by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Wednesday, said the brands of sugar in openly sold in markets include: Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia.
Ijagwu warned that 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.
He the products were uncovered after operatives of FCCPC acted on a tip-off and 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 commission said.
FCCPC further expressed deep concerns about the economic impact of these products, stating that 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,” it said.
The commission noted that smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.
FCCPC, however, reassured 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 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 commission said it is intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies.
It added that these efforts include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.
The commission said it is also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market.
It advised consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC.
