By: Peter Emmanuel |
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has ordered manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to withdraw consumer goods with incomplete, misleading or deceptive labels from the Nigerian market.
The Commission issued the directive in a public advisory on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, following concerns over the increasing circulation, distribution and sale of consumer goods that do not comply with existing product labelling requirements.
The FCCPC said its market surveillance, routine inspections and quality assurance activities had uncovered products carrying misleading information, as well as others without important details required under applicable regulations.
The Commission said proper product labelling is necessary to enable consumers to know what they are buying and make informed decisions before purchasing consumer goods.
It warned that deceptive or incomplete labels could expose consumers to health, safety and economic risks, while also denying them the information they are entitled to receive.
FCCPC Flags Non-Compliant Products
The FCCPC said some products found during its surveillance activities did not contain production dates, expiry or best-before dates and batch numbers.
Other missing information, according to the Commission, included manufacturer details, ingredient lists, allergen information and country of origin.
The Commission also raised concerns about products bearing false, misleading or deceptive claims. It said labels that are missing, illegible, altered or poorly presented could make it difficult for consumers to properly assess the products they intend to purchase.
The FCCPC said such practices violate consumers’ right to the information required to make informed purchasing decisions. It added that its mandate under Sections 17(p), (w), (x), 114, 116, 123 and 125 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018, empowers it to promote consumer safety and protect consumers from harmful practices.
The Commission said it would continue to enforce compliance with applicable labelling requirements in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Businesses Face Enforcement as FCCPC Warns Consumers
Following its findings, the FCCPC directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to immediately review their inventories and withdraw consumer goods that do not comply with applicable labelling requirements.
The Commission warned businesses that continue to manufacture, distribute or sell non-compliant products that they could face appropriate regulatory enforcement action.
It urged businesses to ensure that products placed on the Nigerian market carry the information required by relevant standards and regulations.
The FCCPC also called on consumers to pay close attention to product labels before making purchases. It advised them to avoid products with missing, illegible, altered or poor-quality labels.
The Commission further urged consumers to be cautious of products carrying false claims or misleading information and to report suspected cases of non-compliance through its official complaint channels.
The FCCPC said it would continue to strengthen nationwide market surveillance and enforcement activities in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and enhance consumer protection.
