*The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission sets up a Joint Inter-Agency Committee, aimed at tackling counterfeit products and strengthening supply chain transparency across Nigeria

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has inaugurated a Joint Inter-Agency Committee, to develop a Digital Traceability Portal.

The Commission said the decisive move was made to enhance product integrity and consumer protection in the country.

Highlighting the key objective of the Joint Inter-Agency Committee, FCCPC noted is aimed at tackling counterfeit products and strengthening supply chain transparency across Nigeria.

The market regulatory Commission also stated the Traceability Portal, its flagship initiative, will assign unique QR codes to products.

The FCCPC said this measure would enable consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and regulators to verify authenticity, track origin, and ensure end-to-end product traceability in the markets.

Speaking at the inauguration held at the Commission鈥檚 Headquarters in Abuja, FCT, Mr. Kola Alabi, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services at FCCPC, said: 鈥淎s the apex regulator, the Commission has sought the collaboration of key stakeholders in the development of this platform to ensure traceability and authenticity of products.

“Our goal is to deliver a solution that reduces counterfeiting and addresses other challenges within the supply chain.鈥�

The Commission further disclosed the Joint Inter-Agency Committee brings together representatives from critical institutions, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration (ACC).

The FCCPC noted the initiative aligns with the its statutory mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

According to the Commission, FCCPA 2018 empowers it “promote fair market practices, protect consumers from deceptive trade, and facilitate cross-agency coordination in tackling threats to consumer safety.”

The Traceability Portal is expected to usher in a new era of digital accountability in Nigeria鈥檚 product markets, combat fake goods, and build consumer trust through real-time authentication and supply chain visibility, the Commission said.