By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, has urged manufacturers, distributors and importers operating in Nigeria to fully comply with existing product safety standards in order to protect consumers and maintain confidence in the marketplace.
Bello made the appeal in Abuja during activities marking World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Young Consumers Contest Awards, held under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”
Represented by the Director of Surveillance and Investigations at the Commission, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Bello said the theme was carefully chosen to reinforce the importance of product safety as a foundation for consumer trust and a stable market system.
He explained that ensuring the safety and quality of products is essential for maintaining market integrity and protecting public welfare, warning that when consumers are unsure about the safety of products, confidence in the market is weakened and overall economic efficiency suffers.
According to him, the Commission continues to discover products in various sectors that fail to meet basic safety and quality requirements. These include improperly labelled goods, substandard items and cases of misleading product information, which he attributed largely to weak internal quality control systems and poor compliance culture among some businesses.
Bello added that in certain instances there appears to be an outright disregard for regulatory obligations, a development he said exposes consumers to avoidable risks, erodes trust in the marketplace and puts law-abiding businesses at a disadvantage.
He stressed that product safety should not be treated as optional but as a core responsibility because of its direct implications for public interest and consumer welfare.
The FCCPC chief noted that the Commission’s actions are consistent with the economic reform agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to strengthen market discipline, improve consumer confidence and promote a fair and rules-based business environment across the country.
He also pointed out that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 provides a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees consumers access to goods that are safe, durable and fit for purpose, while also placing clear obligations on businesses to meet these standards at all times.
Bello warned that any product found to pose safety risks must be promptly withdrawn or recalled from circulation, with adequate notice given to consumers. Such measures, he emphasized, are statutory requirements and not voluntary actions, adding that non-compliance will attract regulatory sanctions.
He further disclosed that the Commission has intensified its market surveillance operations and expanded product testing in critical sectors to ensure compliance with safety standards. Where violations are identified, he said, appropriate enforcement actions are taken in line with the law.
The FCCPC, he added, is also working closely with sector regulators and national standards bodies to prevent unsafe products from entering or remaining in the Nigerian market through coordinated oversight, information sharing and joint enforcement initiatives.
Bello clarified that although the Commission does not regulate the prices of goods and services, it plays a critical role in ensuring fairness and transparency in the marketplace by taking action against practices that harm consumers or breach established regulations.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among institutions such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in sustaining high product standards across industries.
The FCCPC boss also commended the media for its role in promoting consumer awareness and ensuring accountability through responsible reporting.
Speaking on the 9th National Young Consumers Contest, Bello said the initiative is aimed at promoting consumer education among young Nigerians by encouraging critical thinking and responsible decision-making in the marketplace.
He advised consumers to remain alert by verifying product information, carefully checking labels and reporting suspicious or unsafe products to the appropriate authorities, noting that informed consumers are vital to strengthening consumer protection.
Bello reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to defending consumer rights and promoting fair market practices, stressing that a safe and trustworthy market environment can only be achieved through responsible business conduct, effective regulation and active consumer participation.
Stakeholders present at the event commended the Commission for its sustained efforts in safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers across Nigeria.
