Brands/Products
FCCPC, NAFDAC to Tackle Unsafe Products, Unfair Market Practices
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at closing regulatory gaps and strengthening enforcement against unsafe products and unfair market practices.
The agreement, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, is expected to deepen collaboration between both agencies in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and enforcement of standards.
The deal also introduced a structured system for information exchange between both regulators, aimed at eliminating delays that often hinder investigations and enforcement.
Speaking at the event held at the commission’s corporate headquarters, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the pact marks a deliberate step towards coordinated regulation in Nigeria’s consumer market.
He said, “This event marks a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in the service of Nigerian consumers, particularly in areas where product safety and consumer protection overlap and require coordinated action.
“The mandates of the FCCPC and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, are clearly set out in law, although their functions increasingly overlap in practice.”
Mr Bello explained that while both agencies have distinct legal mandates, their responsibilities increasingly intersect in practice, especially in dealing with substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and misleading product claims.
According to him, “FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, or exploitative market behaviour. It also promotes competition, investigates complaints, and enforces remedies where consumer welfare has been undermined. NAFDAC’s responsibilities are more product-specific.
“It regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution, advertisement, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. Its central concern is safety and quality, ensuring that regulated products meet required standards both before and after they enter the market.”
Mr Bello acknowledged that their regulatory functions increasingly overlap in practice, particularly in areas affecting both product safety and consumer rights.
He noted that issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising often cut across the mandates of both agencies, requiring coordinated intervention.
He further explained that a harmful product in the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction, but also a consumer protection issue that falls within the enforcement scope of the FCCPC.
Similarly, cases involving false or misleading advertising of regulated products typically demand joint action from both institutions.
Against this backdrop, the agencies said the newly signed MoU provides a structured framework to address these overlaps, enabling more effective collaboration, clearer responsibilities, and improved regulatory outcomes.
The FCCPC boss stated, “In reality, the work of both agencies often converges. Issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising raise questions that fall within both product safety and consumer protection. For instance, a harmful product that reaches the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s remit, but also a consumer protection issue for FCCPC.
“The same applies to false advertising of regulated products, which typically requires input from both bodies. Given this overlap, a formal Memorandum of Understanding provides a practical basis for cooperation. The MoU being executed today, therefore, establishes a clearer and more workable framework for collaboration between the two institutions.”
He added that the new framework would eliminate confusion for consumers and improve response time to complaints.
“Rather than leaving consumers to decide which agency to approach, complaints can now be received and reviewed in one place, and then directed through clearly defined channels. This will make the system more efficient and more responsive,” Mr Bello said.
The FCCPC boss also disclosed that the agreement provides for data sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions, as well as capacity building through training and technical collaboration.
He stressed that the ultimate goal is to build trust in the market.
“Effective regulation is not just about enforcement. It builds confidence. When consumers trust that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently,” he added.
In a stern warning to violators, Mr Bello said the collaboration would strengthen oversight and deter non-compliance.
“This will send shivers down the spine of those who are mischievous in our society, those who try to circumvent the rules. The message is clear: enforcement will be stronger and more coordinated,” he said.
On her part, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mrs Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agreement as critical to protecting Nigerians from harmful products and ensuring that consumer rights are upheld.
She said the partnership goes beyond documentation and must translate into action.
“This MoU is extremely important for the nation. But beyond the document, what matters is action. We do not need theory when it comes to consumer protection; we need results,” she said.
Mrs Adeyeye recounted instances where FCCPC responded swiftly to complaints she personally raised as a consumer, leading to immediate corrective actions by erring businesses.
“The two times that I complained, he responded almost immediately, and the enterprise made amends. That is the way it is supposed to be. That is the kind of leadership we need,” she said.
She emphasised that while NAFDAC ensures product safety and quality, FCCPC plays a critical role in protecting the rights of consumers who use those products.
“NAFDAC is about the safety and efficacy of products, but it is people who use those products. That is where FCCPC comes in. Consumers have the right to complain, and we must ensure those complaints lead to action,” she added.
The NAFDAC boss further noted that the collaboration would strengthen enforcement tools, including sanctions against violators, while enhancing public awareness through coordinated communication.
She said, “NAFDAC has the mandate to act against violators, FCCPC will fight for the consumer, and together we will ensure that Nigerians are protected. For the people who are watching us. Because this will be televised, just know that you are on our minds.
“In terms of product quality, safety and efficacy. In terms of your rights as a consumer to complain. We are watching your back.”
The MoU is expected to streamline complaint handling, improve regulatory coordination, and ensure faster resolution of consumer issues, while also creating a more predictable compliance environment for businesses.
The move comes at a time when Nigeria is battling the proliferation of substandard products, fake drugs, and deceptive advertising, all of which have continued to undermine consumer confidence and public health.
With both agencies now working under a unified framework, stakeholders say the success of the agreement will depend on sustained implementation and consistent enforcement.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Woodrow has been named Africa Agency of the Year 2026 by PRovoke Media, one of the world’s leading authorities on the communications industry.
The award recognises Woodrow’s rapid growth across the continent and its work supporting clients navigating some of Africa’s most complex communication, policy, reputation and stakeholder challenges.
In announcing the award, PRovoke Media described Woodrow as “a different kind of communications firm for Africa. Built locally, but operating across borders, with a focus on high-stakes, high-complexity mandates that reflect the realities of the continent’s political and economic landscape.”
Founded five years ago by Mr Charlie Tarr, who has spent more than two decades working across African markets advising various organisations, Woodrow has grown from its Nairobi headquarters into a multi-market African consultancy. It now has teams and partners across Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal and South Africa, delivering work across 13 countries.
Since 2024, Woodrow has more than doubled revenue, expanded delivery across more African markets and supported assignments that have generated global audiences exceeding 70 million people in multiple markets.
Speaking on the recognition, Mr Charlie Tarr, Founder and CEO of Woodrow Communications, said, “When we started Woodrow, we believed Africa deserved communications advice built for Africa’s realities, not imported templates. This recognition is a testament to our people, our clients and our belief that world-class strategic communications can be built from the continent and compete with the very best anywhere in the world. This feels more like a beginning than an arrival.”
Adding his input, Mr David Karega, Head of East and Southern Africa, added, “This award belongs to the team and the clients who have trusted us with some of their most important moments. From major launches and investment announcements to reputation management, policy engagement and crisis situations, we have had the privilege of helping them achieve influence. It shows that globally recognised PR excellence can be built from Nairobi and delivered across Africa.”
Woodrow’s growth has been driven by its local-first operating model, combining deep in-market expertise with regional coordination and strategic advisory support. It supports organisations such as AGRA, Bupa Global, BIC and a range of international foundations, investors and development institutions working across Africa.
Looking ahead, Woodrow is investing in new capabilities around digital influence, audience intelligence and integrated stakeholder engagement to help clients navigate the media landscape in Africa.
“Africa has never been a side conversation for us,” Mr Tarr added, “It sits at the centre of our work and future. The continent is producing some of the world’s most important opportunities in technology, investment, food systems, climate and economic transformation. We are excited to continue helping clients shape those conversations, build influence and contribute to Africa’s growth.”
SportyTV has been added to select DStv and GOtv packages in Nigeria, expanding the sports content available to subscribers. The 24-hour sports channel offers a range of live sporting events alongside news, analyses, highlights and is available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli customers. The channel is also available on GOtv in Kenya and Ghana.
The addition of SportyTV complements the existing sports offering on DStv and GOtv, providing subscribers with access to additional football, basketball and combat sports content.
“SportyTV is a valuable addition to the DStv Access and GOtv Value content offering across Africa,” said David Mignot, CEO of CANAL+ Africa. “It expands the range of sporting events available to customers at an accessible price point and reflects our commitment to making quality sports content available to audiences across the continent.”
Sudeep Ramnani, Founder and CEO of Sporty Group, said: “Our ambition has always been to provide African audiences with broad access to sports content and storytelling. Through this partnership with CANAL+, we are extending that offering to more households across the continent.”
“The SportyTV channel gives DStv and GOtv subscribers additional viewing options that complement SuperSport’s existing range of sports programming,” said Rendani Ramovha, Director of Sport Content for English and Portuguese-speaking Africa at CANAL+. “It broadens the overall sports proposition with additional live events and supporting content.”
SportyTV’s football schedule includes competitions such as the English Premier League, Carabao Cup, EFL Championship, Women’s FA Cup, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and the Spanish Super Cup. The channel also carries South American competitions including the Copa Libertadores, Argentina League and Brazil Serie A, as well as select basketball and other international sports content.
Elias Gallego, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Media at Sporty Group, said: “Launching SportyTV on DStv and GOtv allows us to extend our reach and bring a broader range of sports content to viewers across Africa.”
SportyTV will also carry dedicated club channels including Real Madrid TV, Arsenal TV, Chelsea TV and Manchester City TV. Additional content includes coverage from leagues in Greece and Saudi Arabia, alongside basketball programming featuring the NBA.
The channel launched on 10 June 2026 and is available in HD on DStv channel 236 and GOtv channel 58 in Nigeria.
Brands/Products
Sachet Alcohol Ban: NAFDAC Targets Distributors, Retailers in Second Phase of Enforcement
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled plans to commence the second phase of enforcement of its ban on sachet alcohol and small-pack alcoholic beverages, targeting distributors and retailers.
The regulator said it had completed the first phase of enforcement targeted at manufacturers, while plans were already in motion to begin the second phase of enforcement.
The agency began enforcement of the ban on sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks in January.
The enforcement, which generated mixed reactions, according to NAFDAC, was necessitated to align the country with global health standards and Sustainable Development Goal 3.5 on reducing harmful alcohol consumption.
The agency also said the decision was taken to ensure that children do not have access to alcohol and to prevent long-term health problems associated with its consumption.
Mr Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, warned at a news conference in Lagos that distributors and sellers found violating the law would face sanctions once the enforcement begins.
“We have finished removing the products from manufacturers, and we are now moving to the next phase, which is removing them from the market.
“We will investigate how these products are still finding their way into circulation and take appropriate action,” he said.
He emphasised that the nation’s law empowers NAFDAC not only to regulate the manufacture and sale of regulated products but also their use.
“The law gives us authority over manufacture, sale, distribution and use. Consumers should be aware that using products that have been prohibited also places them on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
The director urged market operators who still stock sachet alcohol and other prohibited products to discontinue sales before enforcement begins.
“We have given ample notice. Those who have invested money in these products should take steps now because nobody should accuse NAFDAC of economic sabotage when enforcement starts,” he added.
Mr Iluyomade, also Chairman of the Federal Taskforce, said that the agency would go after advertisers and online vendors promoting unregistered products or making unapproved health claims.
He explained that registered products could be advertised only after obtaining the necessary approvals from the agency.
“Before advertising a regulated product, marketers must obtain NAFDAC approval. This ensures that only approved claims are made about the product.
“Any advertisement that goes beyond what has been approved is a serious offence,” he said.
He further cautioned social media operators, e-commerce platforms and website owners against allowing their platforms to be used for the promotion of unregistered products.
“Whether you are a physical vendor or an online vendor, if your platform is used to advertise unregistered products or products without advertisement permits, we will come after you.
“Many false claims are being made online, and we are determined to stop them,” he said.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health through strict enforcement of existing regulations and urged Nigerians to comply with the law.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn