By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has intensified its crackdown on unfair market practices, warning traders against the sale of counterfeit products, deceptive packaging, and price-fixing schemes in major markets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This position was made known during a market sensitisation forum held in Abuja on Tuesday. The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, who was represented by Bridget Etim, Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, said the event formed part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to engage directly with stakeholders at the grassroots level.
“We are here in the markets, not in a boardroom because this is where consumer protection truly begins,” Bello told traders, producers, and market leaders in attendance.
Describing Nigerian markets as “the heartbeat of the nation’s economy,” Bello expressed concern over recurring violations, including shortchanging customers, rebranding expired goods, and coordinated price manipulation by market associations.
He questioned how often consumers discover they’ve received less than what they paid for once they get home, noting that such actions go beyond mere bad business, they are outright illegal.
According to Bello, the FCCPC has received increasing reports of fraudulent practices such as product mislabelling and the rebagging of expired or substandard items to be sold as new. He also cited the use of altered weighing scales and coordinated price hikes particularly during festive seasons as acts currently under investigation.
“These acts deceive the public, endanger lives, and penalise honest business owners. We are committed to rooting them out,” he warned.
The FCCPC CEO reiterated that the commission’s mandate is to ensure fairness and integrity in the marketplace, not to antagonize traders. He encouraged compliance with ethical standards, noting that businesses that play by the rules are critical allies in the Commission’s mission.
“If you treat customers fairly, give them accurate information, and avoid deceptive practices, you are already part of the solution,” Bello stated.
The Commission affirmed that enforcement actions will be ramped up in coming weeks, especially in markets flagged for repeated infractions, as part of broader efforts to uphold the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
