A group of consumers, Concerned Consumers, has expressed worry over the massive influx of imported energy drinks into Nigeria, stating that these imports have been inflicting severe harm on the nation’s economy.
In a statement, Messrs. Olufemi Odebunmi and Rufai Rimi, the convener and co-convener of the CC, respectively, drew attention to the fact that energy drinks, which fall into the category of ready-to-drink fruit juice, have remained banned in Nigeria since 2003.
The group urged relevant government agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control, the Consumers Protection Council of Nigeria, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to be vigilant and discourage the unscrupulous importation of these drinks into the nation.
The statement read, “More than 85% of the energy drink market in Nigeria is dominated by imported brands. The locally manufactured brands are struggling as they do not have international brand names and recognition to match the imported ones, which makes them even more disadvantaged and perceived as inferior.”
According to the group, failure to enforce the ban on prohibited products is a clear indication of the government’s lack of support for local industries and manufacturers. They added that the government’s inability to checkmate smuggled energy drinks could lead to the closure of local industries, resulting in a significant loss of jobs, an increase in the high unemployment rate, and a shortage of desperately needed foreign currency.
The CC Convener and Co-Convener further stated that about 300,000 Nigerians would have been employed if the energy drink market had been allowed to develop domestically.
They calculated that the estimated annual loss to the nation is greater than N104 billion, considering that the average annual importation of energy drinks into the nation is between 1,800 and 2,000 containers.
In conclusion, the group noted that the unpleasant side effects of imported energy drinks could have adverse effects on the health of Nigerians. Therefore, relevant agencies must work together to enforce the ban on imported energy drinks and encourage local production to boost economic growth.
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