Cross River Consumer Protection Agency Destroys Goods Worth Millions Of Naira
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The Cross River State Consumer Protection Agency has destroyed a variety of expired and substandard consumables estimated at millions of naira.
The items include snacks, drugs, beverages, cosmetics, and toiletries.
The items were confiscated from unscrupulous traders in local markets in the state.
The destruction of the hazardous products at the Okoi Arikpo House premises of the agency was part of a significant operation conducted to safeguard public health to commemorate the 2025 World Consumer Rights Week themed, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyle.”
Speaking at the exercise, the Director General of the agency, Prince Charles Ushie, urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing products.
Ushie also advised consumers to always carefully check for production and expiry dates, batch numbers, NAFDAC certification, and ISO numbers on foreign products to ensure their safety and authenticity.
He further lauded the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, for his commitment to consumer safety, noting that, “the governor’s support has been instrumental in empowering the agency to effectively combat and eliminate unsafe consumables from the market space, thereby protecting the health and well-being of residents in the state.
Also speaking, a Director in the agency, Barr. Paul Adinya, explained that, “the agency is legally mandated to confiscate and prosecute those involved in the distribution of adulterated, substandard, expired, and uncertified products.”
Adinya urged individuals who encounter such products or are dissatisfied with services to report to the agency’s office located in Calabar.
He also emphasized that several violators have already been prosecuted, reinforcing the agency’s dedication to upholding consumer rights and safety in Cross River State.
The Chairman of the Etim Edem Market Association, Mr. Eke Eke, expressed satisfaction with the agency’s efforts.
Eke acknowledged that their operations have significantly reduced the risk of illnesses and fatalities associated with consuming substandard and expired products.
He affirmed the traders’ readiness to cooperate with the agency to ensure that only quality, genuine, and certified products are sold to consumers.
As part of the event, the agency organized rallies across various markets in the Calabar metropolis, including Watt Market, Etim Edem Park, Akim Market, Marian Market, and Ikot Ishie Market to sensitise traders and consumers, conduct checks for expired and substandard consumables, and promote awareness about consumer rights and safety.
The exercise was witnessed by market associations’ leaders, executives, members, and the general public, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering a safer and more sustainable consumer environment in Cross River State.
