The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised the alarm about substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, particularly in the South-West and North-East.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the FCCPC spokesperson, Ondaje Ijagwu, the fake products are particularly smuggled brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia.

The commission said the products were smuggled through Nigeria’s porous borders, particularly from neighbouring countries including Cameroon and the Benin Republic.

In the course of investigations, the FCCPC found that the substandard sugar brands often lacked proper labelling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and mandatory NAFDAC registration.

The commission expressed concerns that smuggling, facilitated through porous borders with neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Benin Republic, has exacerbated the problem, making enforcement and traceability difficult.

Pointing out the economic impact, the FCCPC noted that substandard imports create unfair competition and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market

The commission added: “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.

“The investigations revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labelling, 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 engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market.”