By: Titus Oise, Benin.
The Edo State Consumer Protection Committee has ordered the seizure of a brand of drinks found on the shelves of Ford Mart,a popular supermarket along Sakpoba Road, Benin City, after discovering that the product had been seized earlier during an enforcement operation on Mission Road.
The committee also discovered expired products at the supermarket’s warehouse and directed its management to dispose of them within one week, warning that its officials must be present to monitor the exercise.
The directives followed an inspection of Ford Mart on Friday, October 30, 2026, by the Management Committee of the Edo State Consumer Protection Committee, led by its Chairman, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture.
Speaking after the exercise, Iyamu said the inspection was part of efforts to protect consumers from unsafe products and ensure that businesses operating in the state comply with prescribed standards.
He disclosed that although the majority of the products inspected at the supermarket were found to be safe for consumption, the discovery of the previously seized brand of drinks on its shelves raised concerns, prompting an immediate order for their seizure.
“We detected that the majority of the products are safe for consumption. However, a particular brand of drinks that we earlier seized at Mission Road was found on the shelves of Ford Mart, thereby prompting the Chairman to order its seizure,” he said.
On the discovery of expired products at the warehouse, the chairman said the management had been directed to ensure their disposal within one week, with the committee monitoring the process. He also ordered the supermarket to undertake a thorough clean-up within the same period.
“We have directed the management of Ford Mart to dispose of the expired products within one week. The committee must be present during the disposal to ensure that the exercise is properly carried out,” Iyamu posited.
He reaffirmed the committee’s determination to safeguard the health and rights of consumers across the state, in line with the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo, adding that inspection and monitoring exercises would continue.
