FCCPC Flags Off Joint Market Monitoring Taskforce

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has formally launched the Joint Market Monitoring Taskforce (JMMT) in Abuja, marking the beginning of a coordinated national effort to rid Nigerian markets of counterfeit, substandard, and hazardous products.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the executive vice chairman of the Commission, Tunji Bello, represented by the director of surveillance and investigations, Boladale Adeyinka, said the move reaffirms the Commission’s determination to protect Nigerian consumers and ensure a level playing field for businesses amid growing economic pressures.

“This event underscores FCCPC’s commitment and resolve to protect Nigerian consumers from harmful and unsafe products and also to promote business competitiveness in the Nigerian market,” Adeyinka said.

She noted that Nigerian markets continue to face the persistent challenge of counterfeit and substandard products, many of which are unsafe for consumer use. “At a time when both consumers and businesses are experiencing economic challenges, getting value for money expended on products has become very imperative,” she added.

Citing Section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), Adeyinka emphasised the Commission’s statutory responsibility to eliminate unsafe products and address deceptive, unfair, and anti-competitive market practices that threaten consumer welfare and economic stability.

“In delivering her mandate, the Commission prioritises cooperation and collaboration with key stakeholders for greater success. There are many players and stakeholders in our marketplaces. Effective market monitoring operations require all hands to be on deck — that is, the regulators as well as the market executives or market union leaders need to come together as a team to make our market work for all,” she said.

The first phase of the taskforce will cover four major markets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Wuse Market, Utako Market, Garki International Market, and Garki Modern Market.

Outlining the terms of reference for the Joint Market Monitoring Taskforce, Adeyinka explained that the mandate includes gathering intelligence on marketing, trading, and business practices that are deceptive to consumers; carrying out covert and overt routine surveillance and inspections within the markets; and conducting product inspections to ensure compliance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

Other responsibilities include monitoring trade practice trends to identify any violations of consumer protection laws, identifying obnoxious practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers by companies, firms, trade associations, or individuals operating within the market; removing or seizing, and if necessary sealing up, shops, warehouses, or any outlets containing unsafe or substandard goods that fail to comply with local and international standards of quality and safe service delivery.

The taskforce is also empowered to issue summons to compel offenders to attend hearings, give evidence, or produce documents before the Commission pursuant to the FCCPA.

Adeyinka further appealed to members of the public to provide credible information or intelligence on any violations of consumer protection laws, urging Nigerians to channel complaints through the Commission’s email, hotlines, online complaint portal, or social media handles.