The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has inaugurated a joint inter-agency committee to develop a cutting-edge digital traceability portal, aimed at fighting the proliferation of counterfeit goods and enhancing transparency within Nigeria’s supply chains.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commission described the project as a flagship initiative that will significantly bolster product integrity and consumer protection across the country.
The digital portal will assign unique QR codes to consumer products, allowing manufacturers, retailers, regulators, and consumers to verify authenticity, trace origins, and monitor movement through the supply chain ultimately providing end-to-end visibility.
“As the apex regulator, the Commission has sought the collaboration of key stakeholders in developing this platform to ensure traceability and authenticity of products,” said Kola Alabi, FCCPC’s Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services, during the committee’s inauguration in Abuja.
“Our goal is to deliver a solution that reduces counterfeiting and addresses other challenges within the supply chain.”
Multi-Agency Collaboration for Market Integrity
The newly formed inter-agency committee brings together representatives from several key institutions, including:
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
- National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
- Nigeria Police Force (NPF)
- National Orientation Agency (NOA)
- Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration (ACC)
According to the FCCPC, this initiative is aligned with its mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which empowers the commission to promote fair market practices, protect consumers from deceptive trade, and coordinate across agencies to address consumer safety threats.
Digital Accountability and Consumer Trust
The FCCPC emphasized that the traceability portal will mark a new era of digital accountability in Nigeria’s product markets. By enabling real-time authentication and supply chain transparency, the platform aims to combat fake goods, strengthen enforcement capabilities, and rebuild consumer trust.
Once deployed, the system is expected to be instrumental in industries most vulnerable to counterfeiting such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, electronics, and cosmetics.
“This initiative will not only empower consumers to make informed decisions but also foster a safer, more transparent marketplace,” the statement added.
