Dr. Ushie Urges Consumer Vigilance As Agency Destroys Substandard Goods

In observance of the 2025 World Consumer Rights Week themed "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyle," the Cross River State Consumer Protection Agency conducted a significant operation to safeguard public health. The agency destroyed a variety of expired and substandard consumables, including snacks, drugs, beverages, cosmetics, and toiletries, which were confiscated from unscrupulous traders in local markets.

During the exercise, the Director General of the agency, Prince Charles Ushie, Ph.D urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing products. He advised that consumers should carefully check for production and expiry dates, batch numbers, NAFDAC certification, and ISO numbers on foreign products to ensure their safety and authenticity.

Dr. Ushie also praised the Governor of Cross River State, H.E. Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his commitment to consumer safety. He noted 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.

Addressing the media, one of the agency's directors, Barr. Paul Adinya, highlighted that the agency is legally mandated to confiscate and prosecute those involved in the distribution of adulterated, substandard, expired, and uncertified products. He encouraged individuals who encounter such products or are dissatisfied with services to report to the agency's office located on the ground floor of Okoi Arikpo House in Calabar. Barr. Paul 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. He acknowledged that their operations have significantly reduced the risk of illnesses and fatalities associated with consuming substandard and expired products. Mr. Eke 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. These rallies aimed to sensitize traders and consumers, conduct checks for expired and substandard consumables, and promote awareness about consumer rights and safety.

The entire exercise was witnessed by market association leaders, executives, members, press personnel, and the general public, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering a safer and more sustainable consumer environment in Cross River State.