BJAN, Rite Foods, NAFDAC, FCCPC, and CAFON Unite to Strengthen Nigerian Consumer Rights
By Azeez Disu
Stakeholders in the consumer protection ecosystem converged at the Rite Foods Factory in Ososa, near Ijebu Ode, to commemorate the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD). The event, organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) and supported by Rite Foods’ Fearless Energy brand, focused on the critical intersection of product safety, regulatory enforcement, and technological empowerment.
Welcoming participants to the factory, Daniel Obi, Chairman of BJAN, emphasised that the gathering was designed to highlight the fundamental rights of consumers in an increasingly complex market. “It is a day to highlight the protection of consumers and their rights because a lot of rights of consumers are polluted,” Obi stated, noting that the event was brought forward from Sunday, 15 March, to ensure maximum stakeholder engagement. He highlighted the theme, “Safe Product, Confident Consumer,” as a vital call for industrial accountability.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, the Zonal Coordinator for the South West Office, Dr Olubunmi Oti, lauded the decision to hold the event at a production site. “Being around where production takes place allows us to see where the journey of many consumer products begins,” Oti remarked. She noted that Rite Foods Limited has demonstrated a clear commitment to transparency by opening its doors to journalists, which reinforces the principle that protecting consumers is a collective responsibility. Oti further reminded businesses of their obligations under Section 114 of the FCCP Act 2018 to provide clear, accurate information to the public.
Highlighting the manufacturer’s perspective, Awofemi Ajileye, General Manager of Operations at Rite Foods, reiterated the company’s dedication to maintaining “world-class” standards as a proudly indigenous Nigerian firm. “Without the consumer, we don’t exist in the first place,” Ajileye said, explaining that the company follows rigorous analysis and release criteria before any product reaches the market. He noted that the company continuously invests in training and sophisticated laboratory testing, including sending water samples abroad for elemental analysis, to ensure that consumer trust is never compromised.
On the regulatory front, Dr Tinuola Akinnubi, Deputy Director and Focal Point for Alcohol Nationwide at NAFDAC, representing the Director-General, Prof Moji Adeyeye, reaffirmed NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to science-based regulation and transparent enforcement. “Consumer safety is non-negotiable,” she declared, detailing how NAFDAC has intensified Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections and post-market surveillance to remove substandard products from circulation.
The event also saw a significant technological intervention with the introduction of “3C – CAFON Consumer Companion,” Nigeria’s first free AI consumer rights guide. Sola Salako-Ajulo, Founder of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), explained that many Nigerians feel helpless and intimidated by large companies. “Artificial Intelligence can transform consumer protection by simplifying complex laws and providing instant guidance,” Salako-Ajulo stated. She noted that the 3C tool is designed to help consumers understand their rights, draft complaints, and identify legal violations before they are exploited.