Consumers Deserve Clarity: English Labelling Mandated for All Products in Nigeria
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a strong directive to manufacturers, distributors, and importers operating within Nigeria. The commission is demanding that all consumer products sold in the country must be clearly labelled in the English language. This move aims to empower consumers by ensuring they have effective and understandable information about the products they purchase.
During an event marking World Consumer Rights Day in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, articulated the commission’s growing concern. Represented by Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department, Bello highlighted that the FCCPC frequently encounters products that fail to meet fundamental safety and quality benchmarks. A significant aspect of this non-compliance, he noted, is the prevalence of product labelling in languages other than Nigeria’s official language.
“Every consumer product in Nigeria should be labelled in English language, that is the official language in Nigeria,” stated Bello. He pointed out that products bearing labels in languages such as Chinese or Hindi are inherently falling short of the legal standards established within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The implication of such inadequate labelling, he stressed, is that consumers may unknowingly be using or consuming products they cannot comprehend, rendering them potentially unsafe.
The theme for the World Consumer Rights Day event, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” was described by Bello as particularly pertinent. He elaborated that this theme encapsulates a crucial reality: when product safety is questionable, consumer confidence inevitably erodes. This decline in confidence, in turn, weakens markets, making them less efficient and less trustworthy.
“We are gathered at a time when product safety has become central to market integrity, consumer confidence, and public welfare,” Bello remarked. He identified several contributing factors to the prevalence of unsafe products, including weak internal control mechanisms within companies, significant gaps in compliance culture, and in some instances, a deliberate disregard for legal and regulatory obligations. He emphasized that the consequences of neglecting product safety are immediate and severe, underscoring that it cannot be relegated to a secondary concern. Instead, product safety is a core obligation with profound public interest implications.
Industry Voices and Regulatory Collaboration
Responding to these concerns, representatives from key industry and regulatory bodies offered their perspectives and commitments. Mr. Folorunsho Adeyemi, representing the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN), urged Nigerian citizens to place their trust in domestically produced goods. He acknowledged that the Nigerian market has been significantly impacted by smuggling and counterfeiting activities, with a substantial portion of substandard products entering the country through illicit channels.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is actively engaged in combating this issue. Mr. Isiaku Mohammed, a representative from SON, affirmed that the organization is working collaboratively with various agencies to ensure that only products meeting established safety and quality standards gain entry into the Nigerian market.
Further reinforcing the regulatory framework, Mr. Salihu Mohammed, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the National Agency for Drugs, Administration, and Control (NAFDAC), encouraged the public to report any substandard products they encounter. He reassured consumers that any product bearing a NAFDAC number has undergone rigorous scrutiny by the agency, signifying its compliance with safety and efficacy standards.
Consumer Redress and Awareness Initiatives
Beyond regulatory oversight and industry self-regulation, mechanisms for consumer redress are also being highlighted. Mr. Thomas Okosun from the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal encouraged the public to utilize the tribunal’s services for resolution in cases where their consumer rights have been violated by service providers. “If you pay for a product and they tell you that you cannot get a refund, please come to us,” he urged, emphasizing the tribunal’s role in ensuring fair treatment for consumers.
In addition to these pronouncements and initiatives, the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day also featured the 9th National Young Consumers Contest (NYCC). This event, which saw participation from secondary schools across Nigeria, aims to foster a culture of consumer awareness and rights advocacy among the younger generation. Such educational programs are vital in building a future generation of informed and empowered consumers who can confidently navigate the marketplace. The collective efforts of regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and educational initiatives are crucial in building a market where consumers can purchase products with assurance and confidence, knowing that their safety and rights are paramount.
