By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anti-Piracy Society of Nigeria (APSON) has raised alarm over the increasing circulation of fake, substandard, and adulterated consumer goods across Nigeria, describing the trend as a grave threat to public health and the nation’s economy. This concern was voiced during the official flag-off of APSON’s sensitization campaign in Anambra State, held on Thursday in Awka, the state capital.
The event, themed “Say No to Fake, Say Yes to Originality, Save a Consumer Today”, was organised in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Health and the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative. The well-attended programme drew participants from government agencies, security bodies, youth organisations, and consumer protection groups.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of APSON, Mr. Frank Uduonu, JP, highlighted the dangers posed by counterfeit and adulterated goods, noting that they not only endanger human lives but also undermine consumer confidence, weaken the economy, and erode trust in regulatory institutions. He called for collective action to tackle the menace, stressing that everyone is a consumer and therefore has a stake in safeguarding product authenticity.
Mr. Uduonu particularly warned about the infiltration of fake natural food products, disclosing that over 95% of the palm wine sold in Awka today is fake and hazardous to health. He urged citizens to be vigilant, conduct basic checks before purchasing or consuming any product, and promptly report suspected fake or adulterated items to the relevant authorities. He emphasised the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in exposing unscrupulous dealers who compromise public safety for profit.
Officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), including the Head of Consumer and Business Education, Mr. Chukwujekwu Japheth Echezona, and the Head of Legal Department, Barr. Uju Amanambu, used the platform to educate participants on their rights as consumers and the obligations of businesses under the FCCPC Act of 2018. The FCCPC staff also demonstrated practical methods for checking product authenticity and advised consumers not to always be in a hurry or rush to buy products, but to exercise caution and patience to do some basic checks.
While expressing worry over the quality of ice cream sold to school children in Anambra, FCCPC representatives urged parents, guardians and everyone to be extra cautious and report any suspicious products or vendors. They also encouraged consumers to lodge complaints at the nearest FCCPC offices, APSON, or other sister agencies for appropriate action.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, represented by ACP Remigius Akam Ekuri; and a legal luminary, Barr. Amaka Ezeno, commended APSON for its initiative and opined that many dealers knowingly distribute or deal on fake and adulterated products purely for selfish gain, despite being aware of the health risks.
While also lending their voices to the call for vigilance and urge consumers to prioritize their safety by scrutinizing products and transactions carefully; the duo also advised consumers to always demand receipts where applicable, to serve as evidence to substantiate their claims, in case any complaints or anything else later results from the product or the transaction which would warrant the arrest and prosecution of the dealer.
On his own part, the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, who was represented by the Special Assistant to Governor on Youth Development, Engr. Emeka Tony Omata, lauded the initiative and the organizers, assuring that the Ministry of Youth Development and the Anambra youths at large are willing, ready and available for partnership in driving the campaign and protecting the consumers, as it aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.
The event featured the official presentation of appointment letters to newly appointed APSON district coordinators across Anambra, and attracted dignitaries including the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh (represented by the Ministry’s PRO, Mr. Nnaemeka Egwuonwu); the APSON Executive Secretary, Dr. Martin Orah; representatives of security agencies; the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON); and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, represented by Comrade Ukpa Ewa.
The programme was climaxed by the official flag-off of the APSON sensitization campaign in Anambra State and a modest celebration of the birthday of APSON DG, Mr. Frank Uduonu.
More photos from the event:
