BJAN, Rite Foods, Others Seek Stronger Consumer Protection

BJAN, Rite Foods, Others Seek Stronger Consumer Protection.

From left: Sola Salako-Ajulo, Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON); Awofemi Ajileye, General Manager, Operations, Rite Foods; Dr Tinuola Akinnubi, Deputy Director Focal point for Alcohol Nationwide NAFDAC; Daniel Obi, Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) and Dr Olubunmi Oti, Zonal Coordinator South West Office, FCCPC at the 2026 BJAN World Consumer Rights Day event at Rite Foods Factory in Ososa, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s consumer protection space converged on the Rite Foods Factory in Ososa, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, to mark this year’s World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), with a renewed call for stronger consumer protection and improved product safety standards.

The event, organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) with support from Rite Foods Limited, brought together regulators, industry operators and consumer advocates to explore the nexus between product safety, regulatory enforcement and the role of technology in empowering consumers.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of BJAN, Mr. Daniel Obi, said the gathering was aimed at drawing attention to the rights of consumers in an increasingly complex marketplace.

He noted that the programme, initially slated for Sunday, March 15, was rescheduled to allow wider participation.

According to him, “World Consumer Rights Day is set aside to highlight the protection of consumers and their rights, especially at a time many of these rights are being undermined.”

He added that the theme of the event, ‘Safe Product, Confident Consumer,’ underscores the need for greater accountability across industries.

Also speaking, South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Dr. Olubunmi Oti, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, commended the choice of venue.

She said hosting the event at a production facility provided stakeholders with first-hand insight into how consumer products are manufactured.

“Being at the production site enables us to understand where the journey of consumer goods begins. It also reflects the transparency demonstrated by Rite Foods in opening its facility,” she said.

Oti emphasised that consumer protection is a collective responsibility involving manufacturers, regulators and consumers, while also reminding businesses of their statutory obligation under Section 114 of the FCCP Act 2018 to provide accurate product information.

On his part, General Manager, Operations, Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Awofemi Ajileye, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining high quality standards.

He stated that as an indigenous brand, the company places premium value on consumer trust, noting that all products undergo rigorous testing before being released into the market.

“Without the consumer, there is no business. We ensure strict quality control, continuous staff training and advanced laboratory testing, including international analysis of samples, to guarantee product safety,” he said.

Similarly, Deputy Director and National Focal Point for Alcohol at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Tinuola Akinnubi, who represented the Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

“Consumer safety is non-negotiable. We have strengthened Good Manufacturing Practice inspections and post-market surveillance to rid the market of substandard products,” she stated.

In a related development, the event witnessed the unveiling of 3C – CAFON Consumer Companion, described as Nigeria’s first free Artificial Intelligence-powered consumer rights guide.

Founder of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo, said the innovation was designed to simplify consumer protection processes.

According to her, “Many consumers feel intimidated when dealing with large corporations. This AI tool helps them understand their rights, detect possible violations and even draft complaints.”

The event highlighted the growing collaboration among regulators, manufacturers, the media and advocacy groups in strengthening consumer protection and promoting a safer marketplace.