The festive season in Nigeria is a period of celebration, travel, and shopping. Consumers eagerly stock up on food items, household goods, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, and electronics. Unfortunately, this period also sees a spike in fake, substandard, and adulterated products that threaten health, safety, finances, and overall wellbeing.

This article highlights consumer rights under Nigerian law, the growing prevalence of adulterated products, and practical steps to identify fake goods this festive season.

Consumer Rights Under Nigerian Law

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 provides comprehensive protections for Nigerian consumers. Key rights include:

1. Right to Safety – Section 2(f) FCCPA

Consumers are entitled to safe products that meet quality standards. Any product posing a threat to health or wellbeing infringes this right.

2. Right to Information – Sections 115–119 FCCPA

Consumers have the right to complete and accurate information about goods and services, including expiry dates, ingredients, manufacturer details, pricing, and usage instructions.

3. Right to Choose – Section 17(a) FCCPA

Consumers must not be coerced, deceived, or manipulated into purchasing specific products.

4. Right to Fair Value, Good Quality & Safety – Sections 131–145 FCCPA

Consumers are entitled to durable, functional products that are fit for purpose.

5. Right to Compensation & Refund – Sections 146–150 FCCPA

Consumers may demand refunds, repairs, or replacements when products are defective or misrepresented.

6. Right to Fair Treatment & Protection from Unethical Practices – Section 123 FCCPA

Consumers are protected against misleading advertising, false labeling, dishonest packaging, and other unethical market practices.

7. Right to Seek Redress – Sections 159–166 FCCPA

Consumers may report violations to the FCCPC, NAFDAC, SON, or pursue legal action in court.

Trending Adulterated Products in Nigeria (2024–2025 Festive Season)

Recent reports from FCCPC, NAFDAC, SON, and community alerts highlight widespread adulteration in the following categories:

  1. Cooking Oils (Vegetable & Groundnut) – Often mixed with industrial oil, paraffin, or palm-kernel derivatives.
  2. Alcoholic Drinks & Spirits – Fake bottles of popular brands circulate heavily.
  3. Soft Drinks & Energy Drinks – Counterfeit sachet-based production is on the rise.
  4. Cosmetics & Skincare Products – Lightening creams, perfumes, and hair products may contain harmful chemicals.
  5. Rice, Beans & Other Staples – Stones, coloring agents, polish agents, and plastic contaminants reported.
  6. Carbide-Ripened Fruits – Bananas, mangoes, oranges, pawpaw, and plantains ripened with calcium carbide.
  7. Drugs & Supplements – Counterfeit antimalarials, antibiotics, painkillers, and immune boosters.
  8. Rechargeable Fans, Power Banks & Small Electronics – Substandard lithium batteries and fake brands.
  9. Children’s Toys – Toys with toxic paint or sharp edges.
  10. Packaged Water & Drinks – Fake sachet water or drinks produced in unsanitary conditions.

How to Spot Fake or Adulterated Products

Food Items

  • Colour & smell: Unnaturally bright or chemical-scented foods are a red flag.
  • Oil test: Pure oils do not separate or form layers.
  • Rice: Avoid overly shiny or plastic-like grains.
  • Fruits: Carbide-ripened fruits are excessively yellow, soft outside but unripe inside.

Drinks (Alcoholic & Soft)

  • Check that seals are intact and uniform.
  • Inspect label spelling, color tone, and print quality.
  • Verify NAFDAC registration on the Green Book or mobile app.
  • Avoid unusually cheap products or questionable sources.

Cosmetics

  • Strong chemical smell may indicate harmful additives.
  • Check batch number, expiry date, and manufacturer details.
  • Purchase from accredited stores only.

Electronics

  • Fake items may feel lighter or have blurry printing.
  • Confirm SONCAP certification.
  • Test items before purchase where possible.

Drugs

  • Buy only from licensed pharmacies.
  • Confirm NAFDAC registration number.
  • Avoid street hawkers.

Packaged Goods

  • Check expiry date, production batch, and ingredient list.
  • Avoid swollen or leaking cans and sachets.

Legal Remedies for Consumers

If you purchase a fake or adulterated product:

  • Demand a refund, repair, or replacement under Sections 146–150 FCCPA.
  • Report violations to FCCPC via their website or social media.
  • Report food and drug-related cases to NAFDAC.
  • Report counterfeit electronics to SON.
  • Seek legal advice if the harm is serious.

Conclusion

Festive celebrations should be a time of joy, safety, and abundance—not a season of health risks or financial loss. Knowing your rights and purchasing cautiously protects you and your loved ones. Nigerian law empowers consumers, and awareness remains the strongest shield against adulterated products.

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