FCCPC Uncovers Smuggled, Substandard Sugar Products in Nigerian Markets
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has alerted Nigerians to the presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in local markets.
Acting on credible intelligence, the FCCPC uncovered a smuggling operation involving sugar brands imported from Brazil, which fail to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements.
In a statement issued by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC identified the unregistered sugar brands as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia.
“These products pose serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market,” Mr. Ijagwu stated.
The FCCPC’s investigation revealed alarming deficiencies in the identified sugar products, including the absence of proper labeling, such as production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.
The Commission also noted the products’ failure to include Vitamin A fortification, a legal requirement critical for consumer health.
“Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being. The absence of fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to severe health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women,” the FCCPC noted.
The FCCPC expressed concern over the economic impact of these smuggled sugar products, which threaten the sustainability of the local sugar industry.
“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,” the statement read.
The Commission emphasized that this illegal activity erodes consumer trust and destabilizes the Nigerian sugar market.
Smuggling through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroon and Benin Republic, was identified as a significant challenge complicating enforcement and traceability.
In response, the FCCPC announced intensified efforts to combat the circulation of these substandard products.
“The FCCPC is collaborating with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies to enhance surveillance and follow-up market inspections. These efforts aim to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products,” the Commission stated.
Furthermore, the FCCPC is engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards and foster fair competition in the sugar market.
The Commission urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspicious sugar products lacking proper labeling or NAFDAC registration to authorities, stressing that public cooperation is critical to safeguarding health and sustaining the local sugar industry.
