In a decisive step to tackle the proliferation of fake products and strengthen supply chain integrity, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has inaugurated a Joint Inter-Agency Committee to develop a National Digital Traceability Portal.
The initiative, which was formally launched at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, is designed to enable real-time authentication of products through a digital platform that assigns unique QR codes to items, allowing consumers, retailers, regulators, and manufacturers to verify their authenticity and origin.
Speaking at the inauguration, executive commissioner, Corporate Services at the FCCPC, Kola Alabi, said the move represents a major milestone in the Commission’s efforts to safeguard consumers and promote fair market practices.
“As 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,” Alabi said. “Our goal is to deliver a solution that reduces counterfeiting and addresses other challenges within the supply chain.”
The newly – constituted Joint Inter-Agency Committee includes representatives from critical regulatory and enforcement bodies such as 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 digital portal, which is central to the Commission’s anti-counterfeiting strategy, aligns with the FCCPC’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. The law empowers the Commission to promote consumer rights, coordinate enforcement efforts, and eliminate deceptive and unsafe practices in the marketplace.
The portal is expected to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s product markets by offering full visibility into the movement and verification of goods across the supply chain. The FCCPC said the project would not only combat fake and substandard products but also build public confidence in the quality of goods circulating within the country.
Work on the traceability platform is set to begin immediately, with the inter-agency committee tasked with developing a comprehensive roadmap for implementation in the months ahead.
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