The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, particularly smuggled brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S.

Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia. 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.

Acting on a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and the North-East.

According to a statement from the Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, 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 explains that the smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring 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. 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 and the FCCPC 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. Reports can be made through the Commission’s email, contact@fccpc.gov.ng, or its official social media channels.

The senate suspended the house rules on Tuesday to admit family members and close relatives of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah for the commencement of a valedictory session in his honour.

During the service, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio began by zeroing in attention to the seat of their former colleague, draped with the Nigerian flag and four symbolic candles.

He noted that the day has been dedicated to the memory of the late Anambra Senator who died on the 27th of July, 2024 at the age of 52.He further described the late businessman from Otolo, Nnewi North as a visionary with extraordinary empathy for all and a champion for economic empowerment and community development.

Akpabio described Ubah’s death as a huge deficit in the political terrain of the country.

Tinubu Seeks Senate Nod For Seven New Ministers

President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate to approve the nomination of seven individuals who have been appointed as ministers in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Tinubu’s request is detailed in a letter directed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, which was presented during the plenary session on Thursday.

Tinubu, in the letter, listed the nominees to include: Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Muhammadu Dingyadi, Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Mukhtar Maiha, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata and Dr Suwaiba Ahmad.

Akpabio, thereafter, referred the request to the committee of the whole for expeditious consideration.

The nominees are expected to bring valuable experience and expertise to their respective roles, contributing to the country’s development and progress.

Recall that the president had on Wednesday reshuffled his cabinet.

President Bola Tinubu made a major shake-up in his cabinet by nominating Bianca Ojukwu for ministerial position while dismissing six Ministers from his cabinet.

In conjunction with this shake-up, he has also submitted seven ministerial nominees to the National Assembly to fill the newly vacant positions.

The Ministers that were relieved from the cabinet were Prof. Tahir Mamman, (Education), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Mohammed Gwarzo (State for Housing), Jamila Ibrahim (Youth Development), Lola Ade-John (Tourism) and the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, who has been replaced.