By Adeola Shittu
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| L–R: Mr. Oluyemi Oloyede, MD/CEO of UAC Foods; Mr. Afebuame Peters, Group Head of Content and Production at Jumia; Moderator Dr. Olubunmi Dorcas Otti, Zonal Coordinator, Southwest, FCCPC; Mrs. Akanmu Adebukola, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc.; and Mr. Ayokunmi O. Solesi, General Manager of QNET Nigeria, during the 2026 LASCOPA World Consumer Rights Day panel discussion. |
In a compelling and solution-focused panel at the 2026 edition of the World Consumer Rights Day 2026, four leading industry figures shared insights into the shared responsibility of manufacturers, e-commerce platforms, and consumers in ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance in Nigeria. Moderated by Dr. Olubunmi Dorcas Otti, Zonal Coordinator for Southwest, FCCPC, the session combined hard-hitting industry realities with practical guidance for everyday consumers.
The panel, themed “Manufacturers and Traders’ Responsibilities in Ensuring Product Safety Through Regulatory Compliance,” brought together voices from across Nigeria’s consumer product ecosystem. Panelists included Oluyemi Oloyede, MD/CEO of UAC Foods; Akanmu Adebukola, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Manager at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc.; Ayokunmi O. Solesi, General Manager of QNET Nigeria; and Afebuame Peters, Group Head of Content and Production at Jumia.
The discussion opened with a sobering reminder of the stakes involved. Panelists highlighted that product safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical aspect of consumer trust and long-term business sustainability.
Long-Term Consumer Trust Over Short-Term Gains
Oluyemi Oloyede, MD/CEO of UAC Foods, emphasized that maintaining quality requires sometimes taking short-term business pains for long-term consumer loyalty.
“Companies are made up of humans who are also consumers themselves. Every product we put into the market could affect someone’s family—our own included. If we don’t raise prices when necessary, the alternative could be reducing quality—but that can impact health. Preserving the consumer is non-negotiable,” he said.
Oloyede also stressed transparency in communication, whether it’s a price adjustment, a reduction in product size, or a change in formulation. “Our consumers need to understand why decisions are made. Trust is built over decades, and we must protect it,” he added.
Regulatory Compliance and Collaborative Oversight
Akanmu Adebukola highlighted that product contamination is often the result of poor sourcing, inadequate oversight, or counterfeit products entering the market.
“Quality starts at raw materials. From sourcing, through production, registration, and post-market surveillance, compliance with standards is essential. Collaboration with regulatory bodies like SON ensures products meet industry benchmarks,” she said, stressing the importance of formalized compliance over shortcuts.
Adebukola also noted the challenges posed by Nigeria’s porous borders, which allow counterfeit and substandard goods to reach unsuspecting consumers. She urged stricter enforcement and accountability for offenders, emphasizing that regulatory compliance alone is not enough without proactive industry engagement.
Communication: The First Line of Defense
Ayokunmi O. Solesi, representing the direct-selling sector, emphasized that accessible and effective communication channels are key to protecting consumers.
“Consumers must know exactly where to go if there’s an issue. Whether through hotlines, emails, or physical offices, complaints must be addressed promptly,” he said. Solesi noted that resolving complaints within 30 days not only protects consumers but also strengthens brand credibility.
His insights highlighted a lifestyle aspect of consumer protection: the direct connection between a company and its users, fostering trust and accountability in everyday transactions.
Technology and Platform Accountability
Afebuame Peters, representing e-commerce platforms, explained how technology and structured processes can prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.
“Before a product goes live on Jumia, we verify its category, manufacturer, and mandatory regulatory documentation. If you skip a required field, the system prevents the product from being listed. This protects both the consumer and the integrity of the marketplace,” Peters said.
He also highlighted the role of consumer reviews as a safety mechanism. “Reviews provide real-life insights from previous buyers. Consumers must pay attention to these reviews to make informed purchasing decisions,” he added.
Empowering the Consumer
All panelists underscored that consumers play a vital role in the safety ecosystem. They offered actionable advice for everyday Nigerians: read labels and ingredient lists carefully, purchase from verified platforms or official sources, check for familiar packaging, logos, and markings and report suspicious or substandard products promptly
Oloyede reinforced this message: “If something doesn’t look right, don’t consume it—report it. Developing familiarity with products and their packaging is crucial for safety.”
Solesi added that awareness and vigilance are not just protective measures—they also hold manufacturers and sellers accountable, creating a culture of responsibility across the value chain.
A Collective Responsibility
The panel made it clear that consumer protection cannot rest solely on regulators. Manufacturers, platforms, and consumers must work together to ensure products meet standards and maintain trust.
The discussion also reflected a broader lifestyle perspective: consumer protection is not only about regulation; it is about creating informed, confident buyers who actively participate in safeguarding their own health and financial well-being.
The LASCOPA 2026 panel left attendees with a simple, resonant message: knowledge and vigilance are as critical as enforcement. Consumers, armed with information and awareness, are the first line of defense against substandard, counterfeit, or unsafe products.
As Oloyede summarized, “Our industry exists because consumers trust us. Every product we put in the market carries that responsibility. Safe, quality products at fair prices—delivered transparently—are the foundation of that trust.”
For Nigeria’s consumers, the takeaways are clear: read labels, check sources, stay vigilant, and always report irregularities. And for the industry, the message is equally firm: long-term trust and regulatory compliance must guide every business decision.
LASCOPA 2026 demonstrated that through collaboration, communication, and consumer engagement, safer markets are not just possible—they are achievable.