The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) has raised an alarm over the prevalence of adulterated palm oil in Nigerian markets, and warned that the problem needs urgent, co-ordinated government action to protect public health and the industry.
Their comments stem from alarms raised by Nigerians and independent journalists on social media over the quality of palm oil, one of Nigeria's most popular cooking ingredient, in the market.
Alphonsus Inyang, NPPAN president, told our correspondent that his group has been “on the forefront of fighting and enlightening the Nigerian consumers and the general public about this menace.”
Inyang said he could not confirm social media claims that “60% of palm oil in circulation” is fake, but he stressed that adulteration does occur.
He told our correspondent that the practice is carried out by middlemen, not at licensed mills, and involves dangerous additives that are “harmful to health, especially the health of children.”
The association has contacted the Standard Organisation of Nigeria and used the opportunity to ask Nigerians for help with identifying where adulteration happens in markets, stressing that tackling this is akin to taking on criminals.
“How do you begin to identify where they are adulterating oil without protection of the law, without protection of the Nigerian police force?” Inyang asked.
He urged action from several agencies, including the Nigerian Consumer Council, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the police.
“We need the inter-agencies collaboration to work on this and fight this menace,” he said, adding that the association lacks the resources for wide public education.
Inyang also warned of the reputational risk abroad, noting the issue was raised at the recent international Palm Producing countries meeting in Malaysia.
He stressed that government leadership and quick enforcement are now vital to stop economic sabotage and protect consumers.
