Nigeria’s push for safer products and stronger consumer protection gained renewed momentum as regulators, manufacturers and consumer advocates gathered to mark World Consumer Rights Day at the Ososa manufacturing facility of Rite Foods Limited in Ogun State.
The gathering, organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) with support from Rite Foods Limited, brought together key players across the consumer protection ecosystem to examine how stronger regulation, responsible manufacturing and technology can work together to safeguard consumers in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
Welcoming participants, Chairman of BJAN, Daniel Obi, said the event was designed to draw attention to the growing importance of consumer rights and the need for stronger accountability among businesses.
According to him, the theme “Safe Product, Confident Consumer” reflects the reality that consumers must feel secure about the safety and quality of products available in the market.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, the Commission’s South-West Zonal Coordinator, Olubunmi Oti, commended the decision to host the event at a production facility.
She explained that seeing how products are manufactured offers valuable insight into the beginning of the consumer value chain and reinforces the need for transparency by manufacturers. Oti also stressed that protecting consumers is a shared responsibility involving regulators, manufacturers and the public.
She further reminded businesses of their legal obligation under the FCCP Act 2018 to provide clear and accurate information about their products to consumers.
Providing the industry perspective, the General Manager, Operations at Rite Foods Limited, Awofemi Ajileye, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality and safety.
He noted that consumers remain the foundation of the company’s operations, adding that every product undergoes rigorous testing and strict quality checks before being released into the market. Ajileye added that the company continues to invest in staff training and advanced laboratory testing to maintain world-class standards.
From the regulatory side, Tinuola Akinnubi of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), representing Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the agency’s commitment to strict enforcement and science-based regulation.
She disclosed that NAFDAC has intensified Good Manufacturing Practice inspections and post-market surveillance to eliminate substandard products and ensure that only safe and quality products reach consumers.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of 3C – CAFON Consumer Companion, Nigeria’s first free artificial intelligence-powered consumer rights guide.
Founder of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Sola Salako-Ajulo, explained that the AI tool was designed to empower consumers by helping them understand their rights, identify potential violations and draft complaints when dealing with companies.
She noted that technology can play a vital role in bridging the knowledge gap that often leaves consumers vulnerable.
The event underscored growing collaboration among regulators, manufacturers, journalists and advocacy groups aimed at strengthening consumer protection and building a marketplace where safe products lead to confident consumers.
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