Business
INVESTIGATION: China floods northern Nigerian markets with unregulated monosodium glutamate products (MSG)
Published
1 year agoon
INVESTIGATION: China floods northern Nigerian markets with unregulated monosodium glutamate products (MSG)
As early as 8 a.m. on Saturday and despite the blaring of vehicles’ hoots and noises from all over the place, Alhaji Aminu – a wholesale dealer at Kano’s Singer market – is busy and perhaps overwhelmed attending to a horde of customers seeking to buy one item or the other.
Singer is Kano’s largest commodities market situated along Ibrahim Taiwo Road.
As Aminu and a number of his workers are taking orders from the customers many of whom are women, others are arriving and forming a queue.
A large number of those coming to his shop are demanding a particular product – unbranded monosodium glutamate.
A made-in-China product – Fufeng monosodium glutamate is what many are looking for.
Already, a corner of Aminu’s store is filled with one of the products in 25kg bags, yet, there is a two-wheeled cart waiting outside to offload more. Despite what looks like an overwhelming situation, Aminu is having a good day and he says it has always been like that because “people want the product”.
To some of the customers, including retailers, unbranded monosodium glutamate products like Fufeng are cheap and affordable.
At the Singer market, Fufeng and another unbranded MSG, Wuyi, are popular. But Fufeng appears to be the most sought-after. Consumers say the items have been in the market alongside branded products for some years now.
What is MSG
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor-enhancing food additive used in Asian cooking, fast foods, and commercially packaged food products. It is a white crystal-like substance in use for over 100 years.
Among locals in northern Nigeria, white additives in crystal form are known as “Farin Maggi”, regardless of the brand. Consumers in the south call it “white Maggi”.
“Fufeng MSG” is ahead of the known and branded bagged ones in the market. On the side of the bag of the MSG is written “Produced by Fufeng”, with “Country of Origin: China,” as an addendum to the information. Wuyi, the rival product is also made in China.
No mark of authorization
Funfeng and other unbranded MSG products being sold in the Nigerian market have no mark of authorization from the government’s regulatory agencies.
The packaging also does not bear the insignia of the National Agency for Foods Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that certifies such products as fit for human consumption and there is no mark of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) on it.
According to Mojisola Adeyeye, director general (DG) of NAFDAC, any unregistered food is not guaranteed by the agency. “It is fake food. It was most likely smuggled into the country,” Adeyeye warned.
The agency is mandated to give permits and authorization for the importation of foods and chemicals into the country.
‘’For safety and security concerns, NAFDAC does end-to-end monitoring for all chemicals. We request distribution and utilization patterns before we give importers permits to import chemicals,” Adeyeye was quoted as saying in a report.
“We must know who you have sold the chemicals to in your report. These are the things you must clarify to us before we give approval for a permit to clear chemical consignments.’’
The rush for unbranded MSGs
The boom in the sale of the product is happening two years after unauthorised chemicals killed three persons in Kano after consuming adulterated flavored milk.
Three persons were arrested by NAFDAC after the agency discovered the chemicals were used as additives in the flavored milk that the victims consumed.
Each day, as many as 20 customers demand the unbranded MSG product from Aminu’s store — though the 25kg is not certified by NAFDAC for home use, those who order it at the Singer market use it for retail and domestic purposes. Operators of big restaurants in the city are said to be among big buyers.
It comes cheaper at N43,000 per 25kg and allows wholesalers and retailers to sell in small units, including measuring in what locals call “modu” – local parlance for a unit of measurement.
In a bag, there are as many as 10 to 15 mudu, according to a dealer who asked not to be named.
What determines the preference of customers for these unbranded products, he added, are the number of mudus and the flexibility to adulterate the product by mixing with salt so as to increase bulk and make more profit, this paves the way for adulteration with any other cheap white powdery substance
“So your customers know what you’re bringing… but the most acceptable in the market is one with the highest number of mudu. The higher the number of mudu and purity of the MSG, the higher the price,” he said.
Aminu testifies that the product is easily affordable for customers.
“The price of 25kg Fufeng monosodium glutamate in my shop is 43,000, but for you as a new customer, I can do a discount for you and sell it to you at the price of 42,000. I want to establish a good relationship with you, so that you may come back to me and buy more,” he told this reporter as he showed the product.
“Before you sell one carton of the branded one, you sell five sacks of the unbranded product.”
From Lagos to Kano, Fufeng and others like it have found their way to nearly all the northern markets.
The infiltration started a few years ago, according to people at Singer market. But the products have gained popularity and acceptance among households now. They are also sold in the Abubakar Rimi market (Sabon Gari market).
It is not clear how they scaled the scrutiny of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). But dealers say it comes in trucks as supplies by some businessmen that they declined to name.
The merchant confirmed that many brought these products into the country through illegal routes. “And if you have to follow the legal field then you have to have a link with the company (that produces sachets) for approval,” he said.
Aminu corroborates this claim – he admits the products are imported through Lagos but does not reveal the identities of the importers.
“We are getting the supply of it from Lagos because this is not a Nigeria-made product,” Aminu said.
“This unbranded product is very popular. In the past, only people from rural areas were using it, but now everyone buys it.”
Like Aminu, Alhaji Bashir who is also a popular dealer of the MSG in the market confirmed that Lagos is the origin of the product. “The product is made in China, not Nigeria,” he retorted.
“I order it from Lagos whenever I sell out the ones that are in my shop. Lagos is the source of this product. People buy this product more. That is why we are selling it.”
At the market, there are retailers like Alhaji Dini who sell it in small packets for average people who cannot buy 25kg.
At his shop, he measures in “mudu” which is N4,650. “I’m not a dealer; I am selling it to average people who cannot afford 25kg,” he said as he showed off the small units packaged in a white cellophane bag.
“One bowl of this product is N4,650. It depends on the needs of the customers. Even if they come with N300, there is something for them. The price starts from N300 and above.
“I buy 25kg and sell it in small packets to people who cannot afford 25kg. My price starts from N300 and above. You know this one is cheaper compared to the branded one.”
When he was asked if he knew that the product was not meant for domestic use and could be harmful to human health, he replied “No”.
“How can you tell me this is not safe for use? Dini quipped. “This cannot happen. People have been using it for cooking. This is not the only thing I sell here. There are branded ones and different types of products.”
But Amina Kamal, a food vendor in the Sabon Gari area of Kano has no worries using the MSG. Amina said she uses it in her cooking because it gives a good taste to the food.
“I use it for my cooking and sometimes I buy the branded one. But honestly, this one is cheaper than the branded ones. That is why we use it,” she said.
“This product is for people to use and cook. People like us enjoy using it because of the taste.”
Sadiya Kamilu, a housewife who was at the market to pick daily needs for her family said the product is very good for cooking, which is why she prefers it.
“I use it for my cooking because it gives a good taste to the food, and it is cheaper,” Sadiya said.
“I don’t think it is harmful but I heard people say that. But that does not stop me, because I don’t believe it.”
FCPC vows to track unbranded products
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has indicated an interest in tracking all the unbranded and unauthorised MSG products across the commodities markets in Kano.
The FCPC is charged with the responsibility of promoting fair business practices and safeguarding the interests of consumers.
According to Boladale Adeyinka, the FCCPC director of surveillance and investigation, the commission would send its teams and secure samples.
“It has come to the attention of the FCCPC and we are sending our surveillance team to confirm and secure samples,” she said in a reply to inquiries by this reporter.
“Where there is a need for emergency intervention, we would provide urgent and interim interventions. We will also provide updates.”
Adeyinka said her office is responsible for market surveillance and investigation, which are “vital tools for protecting consumers when violations occur”.
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Bank
ZENITH BANK REWARDS HACKATHON WINNERS WITH N77.5M CASH PRIZE AT ZENITH TECH FAIR 4.0
Published
5 hours agoon
November 22, 2024ZENITH BANK REWARDS HACKATHON WINNERS WITH N77.5M CASH PRIZE AT ZENITH TECH FAIR 4.0
A total sum of N77.5 million in prize money was won at the end of a keenly contested hackathon session at the Fourth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI “, which held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 1,700 contestants that took part in the hackathon, with JumpnPass, a self-checkout technology solution reshaping the retail landscape in Africa emerging as the overall winner and taking home the grand prize of N25 million. This is in addition to a six-week mentorship and incubation program designed to help them grow and scale effectively, which will run from December 2024 to February 2025.
The first runner-up, CreditChek, a credit and verification service provider which leverages AI and open banking to streamline income and credit history verification for financial institutions, won N20 million and a mentorship programme, while the second runner-up, Salad Africa, a start-up which offers seamless integration of credit products for digital platforms and software companies won N15 million as well as a mentorship programme. Other finalists who took home N2.5million each include Regxta, CashAfrica, Middleman, Messenger, Pocketfood, Famasi Africa, Kitovu.
Earlier during the programme, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her welcome address expressed her appreciation to the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, for birthing the idea that led to the establishment of the Tech Fair initiative 5 years ago, she thanked him for his vision and foresight in utilizing technology to revolutionize the world of business and banking.
Commenting on the Hackathon, she said, “This prestigious annual event was created to empower and nurture young fertile minds. We hope to produce the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk from the Zenith Bank Hackathons in the nearest future. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, 70% of Nigeria’s population are youths which is an economic asset when properly harnessed. This is part of the reason why Zenith Bank is hosting this event to support the development of technology startups. Their success not only fosters innovation and growth in Nigeria, but it also plays a vital role in creating employment opportunities for our youth.” She also stressed on the importance of innovation and embedded finance in ensuring strong and enduring institutions. According to her, “it is paramount that we adapt and adopt technology to stay ahead of the curve. We have seen various cases of companies that failed because of their lack of innovation. It is quite obvious that when companies fail to innovate; they can easily be displaced, so this is not the time to be orthodox, innovation should be a top priority for us.”
In his goodwill message, The Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for a global approach to doing business in the country. According to him, “What we need to do is to be able to enhance our product and services in order to compete in the world. We can’t continue to act local, we need to think global. Anything that we’re doing now, we need to be able to know that we are not just serving a local market, we actually want to serve the global market, and that’s why I’m glad that consistently, for the past four years, I have kept up with the Zenith Tech Fair. I am sure 5.0 should be bigger and better than what we have today, but for us as a government, what we need to do is to continue to use platforms like this to reassure you of our readiness to provide an enabling environment for your ideas and innovative solutions.”
Described as a huge success by participants, the Fair featured the launch of the bank’s digital wallet, EazyByZenith, which will help to support the bank’s retail and financial inclusion strategy. The fair also included presentations on the leading technological innovations that cut across different aspects of life, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Compliance, Financial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Communication Technologies, with the keynote address, “Banking Transformation in a Digital World”, delivered by Robin Speculand, a renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist.
The event also featured goodwill messages by Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank; His Excellency, Hon. Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the Presidency on Economic Matters). Other eminent IT practitioners from top global brands who also made presentations include; Robin Speculand, renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist; Danilo McGarry, Global Expert on Digital Transformation and AI; Jania Okwechime, Partner, Africa, AI & Data Leader, Deloitte; Rupert Nicolay, Director, Microsoft Worldwide Financial Services.
The panel session had Wole Odeyele, Client Technology Lead for Microsoft Inc. as its host, and featured six discussants including Ada Jabaru, Founder & Director, Nistad Limited; Funke Opeke, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MainOne; Guy Futi, Chief Executive Officer, Orda; Dr Auwal Adam Sa’ad, Founder, ZamzamPay; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The Zenith Bank startup pitch competition and incubation program seeks to identify and fast-track the growth of high-potential Nigerian startups innovating in key sectors, including Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity, Fintech, HealthTech, Agritech, E-commerce, and more. The program provides an ideal platform for startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and gain access to invaluable resources to scale their businesses.
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Business
NEW BPP DG COMMITS TO EFFICIENCY AND STAFF WELFARE FOR IMPACTFUL SERVICE DELIVERY
Published
15 hours agoon
November 21, 2024NEW BPP DG COMMITS TO EFFICIENCY AND STAFF WELFARE FOR IMPACTFUL SERVICE DELIVERY*
*_…begins review of bureau processes to enhance government procurement systems_*
The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has outlined his vision to drive efficiency, enhance staff welfare, and reinforce the Bureau’s regulatory mandate in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope mandate and his commitment to improving Nigeria’s economy. This was made known during an interactive session with staff of the Bureau at the State House Banquet Hall on November 20, 2024. Dr Adedokun emphasised the urgency of delivering results as well as improving trust in the government procurement system to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, declaring, “Let us work together to get value for money for Nigeria’s developmental processes and achieve President Tinubu’s mandate of making Nigeria’s economy better.”
Furthermore, in a bid to strengthen operational efficiency, the DG also announced key reforms, including introducing Service Level Agreements for the bureau’s processes ensuring that letters are treated within 3 (three) days, and ensuring reports are completed within 14 (fourteen) days. He also highlighted plans to secure a sustainable budget that would improve the working environment and provide better welfare for staff.
Dr Adedokun firmly stated the Bureau’s resolve to uphold its regulatory integrity under his watch. He warned that officers are prohibited from visiting Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) unless on official assignments stressing the need for officers of the Bureau to stay above board. He further declared that contractors are no longer allowed within the Bureau’s premises to ensure that officers can perform their duties without undue interference and influence.
Calling for a collaborative approach, the DG urged staff to embody the Bureau’s regulatory values by adhering to procurement guidelines, avoiding delays, and striving for excellence. “As a regulator, you must be seen to be guided by the procurement process,” he stated. He assured the team of an open-door policy, encouraging innovative ideas that could propel the Bureau to greater heights.
The session also featured a visit from former DG, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, OFR, FNSE, who led the Bureau from 2009 to 2016. Engr. Ezeh commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr Adedokun and urged staff to provide their full support to the new leadership. He encouraged staff to focus on leaving a legacy of excellence, saying, “Work in a way that you will be celebrated wherever you go in life.”
Senior Directors, including Engr. Nasir Bello and Engr. Isaiah Yesufu reiterated the importance of supporting the DG’s vision while emphasizing adherence to the Bureau’s operational guidelines. Staff also welcomed the session, sharing their perspectives on improving the Bureau’s operations and pledging their support for the new leadership.
In a related development, Dr Adedokun sought collaboration with the Presidential Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy (PODES) led by its Head, Mr O’tega Ogra, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital/New Media, during a courtesy visit to his office on November 21, 2024. The DG emphasized the need to enhance the Bureau’s public engagement and visibility in line with the all-of-government communications approach being espoused by the PODES.
Mr Ogra congratulated Dr Adedokun on his appointment and highlighted the key role BPP plays in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda. O’tega further expressed his commitment to collaborating with the Bureau in amplifying its communication efforts and ensuring Nigerians understand and appreciate its critical role in national governance.
Dr Adedokun’s leadership marks a new chapter for the Bureau of Public Procurement, focused on accountability, efficiency, and impactful service delivery. His vision aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s goals of economic transformation and sustainable development as well as President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Janet McDickson
Director, Information & Public Relations/Head, Media-BPP
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Business
Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested
Published
1 day agoon
November 21, 2024Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested
The Rivers State Police Command said its men rescued a businessman identified as Julius Madabuchi, who was kidnapped by a four-man gang at a filling station in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The police said the man was abducted when the miscreants who were driving in a Black Toyota car stormed the area and started shooting discriminately before executing their plan.
The rescue of the man, the police said, followed a distress call sent to the command control room about the activities of the hoodlums on November 17 and immediately mobilised operatives to the scene, saying the abductors engaged the police in a shootout.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Wednesday.
The statement reads, “On the 17th of November, 2014, at about 2023hrs, operatives of the command received a distress call from the Room indicating that a gang of armed men numbering about four operating in a Black colour Toyota Corolla car shot sporadically and kidnapped one Madabuchi Julius at Sabbath Filling Station, Oyigbo.
“Operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene and the hoodlums on sighting the police operatives drove off, but they were given a hot chase by the operatives and subsequently intercepted along Egbu Street, Oyigbo and a gun duel ensued between the operatives and the hoodlums.
“The hoodlums could not withstand the police’s superior firepower and eventually abandoned the victim and their operational vehicle with registration number RIVERS PHC 938 AH and escaped. The victim was rescued unhurt and the vehicle recovered. He has since reunited with his family.”
The state police image maker however said an investigation is ongoing while concerted efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.
In a related development, Iringe-Koko said the following day, precisely on Monday, operatives of the command acted on credible information, coordinated a covert operation at the St Lorinta Street, Oyigbo and arrested one Gabriel Morris, aged 25, at Mercy Ground in Kom-Kom, Oyigbo LGA of the State.
The state police spokesperson stated, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a syndicate that had been terrorising Oyigbo and its environs in recent times.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, listed items recovered from the suspect including one locally made pistol and a quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
She added, “Investigation is ongoing, while concerted efforts are intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
“This successful operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of the Rivers State Police Command in combating kidnapping and all other forms of crime in the state.”
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