Call for Standardized Labeling of Consumer Products in Nigeria
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued an urgent appeal to manufacturers, distributors, and importers to ensure that all consumer products in Nigeria are labeled in English. This initiative aims to provide clear information to consumers regarding the items they purchase.
Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the FCCPC, delivered this message during an event held on Wednesday in Abuja, marking World Consumer Rights Day 2026. He was represented by Ms. Boradele Adeyinka, the Commission’s Director-General for Monitoring and Investigation.
Bello highlighted ongoing concerns over products failing to meet essential safety and quality standards. He noted that numerous items are labeled in languages other than Nigeria’s official language, creating a barrier for consumers.
“It is vital that all consumer products in Nigeria are labeled in English, the nation’s official language,” he stated. He pointed out that products marked in Chinese and Hindi often lack compliance with Nigeria’s legal standards, posing risks to consumer safety.
If such non-compliant products are available on the market, they are inherently considered unsafe, as consumers may not be able to comprehend the information provided about them. Bello emphasized the theme of the event, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” underscoring its relevance to the current consumer landscape.
He explained that uncertainty in product safety leads to a decline in consumer trust, which in turn negatively affects market stability and efficiency. “We convene at a crucial time when product safety is a cornerstone of public welfare and consumer confidence,” Bello stated, while acknowledging that these issues often stem from inadequate internal controls and a lackadaisical compliance culture.
Industry Leaders Address Market Challenges
Folorunsho Adeyemi, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), urged the public to have confidence in locally produced goods. He expressed concern over the prevalence of smuggling and counterfeit products in the market, attributing much of this issue to substandard items entering the country unlawfully.
Isiak Mohammed, Managing Director of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaborating with various agencies to guarantee that only safe and standardized products reach consumers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring regulatory compliance to foster trade integrity.
Salih Mohammed, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the National Agency for Drug Control and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), encouraged consumers to report any substandard products they encounter. He reassured the public that all products bearing NAFDAC numbers have undergone rigorous scrutiny by the authorities.
Thomas Okosun from the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal called on consumers to seek redress for rights violations by service providers. “If you have paid for an item and are denied a refund, do not hesitate to approach us,” he advised.
Additionally, the event featured the 9th National Youth Consumer Contest (NYCC), showcasing the engagement of secondary schools across the country and reinforcing the importance of consumer rights education among the youth.
