In a concerted effort to safeguard consumers and ensure product safety, the Centre of Consumer Concerns and Awareness Initiation (CCCI) has called upon key regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC, SON, and the FCCPC, to enhance their oversight of manufacturers and consumer products by monitoring products even after certification.
Fola Ademosu Jr, a prominent journalist and a dedicated advocate for consumer rights, issued this impassioned plea in a press release on Friday. Ademosu emphasized that this initiative is driven by a commitment to promoting consumers’ safety and well-being.
Ademosu highlighted the urgency of this endeavour, stating, “We implore regulatory authorities, specifically NAFDAC, SON, and the FCCPC, to maintain a rigorous monitoring framework for product manufacturers and their offerings, post-certification.”
On his own part, Olufemi Abioye, Executive Director at the Center for Consumer Concern Initiative (CCCI) said: “But what is evident is that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC), the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), and the National Administration of Food Drug and Administration (NAFDAC)—the three main consumer protection regulatory bodies—do not effectively monitor products after they are manufactured or certified for public consumption. This can be attributable to factors like inadequate funding and manpower; but the truth is, a manufacturer will rather spend less to produce a product while hoping to reap a bounty of profit, thus the tendency to compromise product composition and stipulated specifications.”
“The CCCI, therefore, advocates stricter post-product regulatory oversight by authorities. This is predicated on the belief that strong product safety enforcement is necessary to safeguard Nigerian consumers, and in a similar vein, it promotes fair competition, encourages innovation, and instills consumer confidence in safe items that reach the market,” Mr. Abioye advised.
In response to this critical issue, CCCI has prepared an insightful opinion piece aimed at raising public awareness and galvanizing regulatory authorities into decisive action. Ademosu expressed the pressing need for collective collaboration, stating, “However, we acknowledge that we cannot accomplish this mission single-handedly. Therefore, we kindly request your support in disseminating the article through your esteemed platform. Your contribution will play a vital role in amplifying the message and advancing this vital cause.”
As advocates for consumer rights and safety, CCCI’s call for vigilance in product certification and post-certification monitoring is a crucial step towards securing the interests of Nigerian consumers. Together, with the support of NAFDAC, SON, and the FCCPC, we can ensure that consumer products meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
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