The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has intensified its grassroots clampdown on unfair trade practices with a sensitisation campaign targeting market associations and traders in Kwali, Abaji, and Gwagwalada markets across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of a broader push to restore integrity and transparency in grassroots commerce
Speaking at a Market Engagement Forum held on Tuesday, the executive vice chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Tunji Bello, represented by the principal consumer and business education officer, FCCPC, Bridget Etim, said the outreach is a key element in the FCCPC’s broader strategy to curb exploitative practices that erode consumer trust, threaten public health, and endanger legitimate businesses.
“Markets like this are the heartbeat of our economy,” Bello said. “This is where everyday Nigerians hustle, trade, provide for their families, and contribute to national economic growth. And that is why the FCCPC is here—not in an office, not in a conference hall—but right here with you. Because this is where consumer protection must begin.”
Bello explained that the campaign aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic reform, consumer empowerment, and inclusive growth. According to him, restoring trust in public institutions and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are felt by ordinary Nigerians begins with fair market conduct and robust consumer protection.
“Our visit is not for show,” he said. “We are here to educate, but also to collaborate. Real protection comes from mutual understanding, shared responsibility, and deliberate action.”
He disclosed that the Commission is currently investigating several market violations, including deceptive rebagging and labelling of expired food items, price-fixing by trader associations, manipulation of weights and measures, and the sale of counterfeit products—especially involving staples like rice, beans, and garri.
“These are not just bad business practices—they are illegal,” he said. “They cheat consumers and punish honest traders.”
Bello revealed that the FCCPC had already commenced enforcement actions, including the sealing of shops in Utako Market, Abuja, in April 2025, following discoveries of rebagged rice falsely presented as imported brands. He added that an Inter-agency Market Monitoring Taskforce has been activated across Wuse, Utako, Garki International, and Garki Modern markets to ensure compliance.
He emphasised that under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, the Commission is empowered to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and enforce lawful and transparent business practices. Where infractions persist, he said, the FCCPC will not hesitate to take decisive action.
He also raised concerns about price-fixing, especially during festive seasons or supply shortages, describing such collusion by market associations as a breach of the FCCPA’s anti-competition provisions.
Bello further criticised the tampering of measuring instruments and refusal to resolve legitimate consumer complaints—practices that, he said, are eroding confidence in Nigeria’s market system.
“The FCCPC does not exist to fight traders,” he stated. “We are here to protect honest traders from unfair competition and protect consumers from harm.”
He assured stakeholders of continued support from the Commission through compliance training, multilingual consumer education, and collaboration with market leaders to promote a culture of fairness and accountability.
“Consumer protection is not just the work of regulators; it is a shared responsibility,” Bello said. “Traders deserve a level playing field and protection from counterfeiters. Consumers deserve safety, value, and honesty.”
The EVC urged traders and market leaders to report malpractices such as fake goods and price manipulation, assuring them that all reports will be treated confidentially.
“Nigeria cannot grow if her markets are broken,” he added. “But when our markets are fair, competitive, and transparent, everybody wins—the buyer, the seller, and the economy.”
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