Consumer Protection Council (CPC) is set to begin a nationwide sensitization campaign and enforcement against smugglers of banned poultry products into the country.
The Council’s Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, disclosed this in Abuja at a meeting with members of Poultry Association of Nigeria.
Mrs. Atoki stated that council would adopt a three-pronged approach against the existence of the products, which she identified to include sensitization of consumers on the dangers of the consumption of these products, removal of the products and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
She pointed out that the meeting was initiated as part of the strategies at forging necessary collaborations with the stakeholders, disclosing further that other engagements with relevant Federal Ministries and the Customs Service had been mapped out.
According to her, the Council has invited the Poultry Association of Nigeria to speak with them to the issues, adding that “we are aware that they have commissioned a study on the hazards and health implications of imported poultry products.
“We have invited them to share with us, so that together we can have a holistic roadmap to engage the sector, and to bring to table of all Nigerians products that we know are safe and not hazardous, and products that will be made in Nigeria for Nigerians. “They are also to brief us on their suggested way forward in ensuring that these products are removed from the market, and their capacity for local production to bridge the gap” she added.
On the enforcement activities, Atoki said the Council is willing to collaborate with the association to get necessary intelligence on sources of the importation of these banned products, cold rooms/ storage facilities, distribution outlets/ chains including markets, supermarkets, eateries, while enforcement strategies would be mapped out.
She hinted further that the Council’s decision became inevitable because the existence of these products was not only causing health hazards to the country’s citizens, but also constituting an economic sabotage.
Atoki said: “It bothers not only on health; it bothers also on the economy of the country. As long as you continue to import products that can be made in Nigeria, we are diminishing the opportunity for employment in Nigeria”.
