By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken its sensitisation to markets in Abuja Council Areas to curb unfair practices among traders.

The Area Councils where the sensitisation took place include Kwali, Abaji, Kuje and Gwagwalada markets.

Speaking at the exercise in Kwali in Abuja, Mr Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of FCCPC, said the engagement was part of the commission’s drive to directly connect with those who made the markets work.

Bello was represented by the Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer of the Commission, Mrs Bridget Etim.

He said the commission was at the markets to educate, and also to collaborate as the real protection came from mutual understanding, shared responsibility, and deliberate actions.

Bello said the commission was investigating and taking action against unfair practices including the re-bagging and mislabelling of food items.

According to him, we also want to listen, learn, and act.

“Let me be clear that the FCCPC has already commenced surveillance and enforcement across several markets.

“The commission is investigating and taking action against the re-bagging and mislabelling of food items.

“This occurs when old, expired, substandard, or unsafe goods are repackaged and falsely presented as fresh, genuine, or popular brands.

“This practice constitutes fraud and is widespread in the sale of staples like rice and other fast-moving consumer goods.

“It deceives consumers and exposes them to serious health risks while undermining honest traders who play by the rules.

“Another concern is the practice of price fixing by market associations and the commission is also addressing the issue of inaccurate measurements and weights, ” he said.

Bello urged the traders to report to the commission if they noticed activities of ‘bad eggs’ traders among them.

“If you see something that is wrong, such as fake products, price-fixing, or short measures, report it.

“The commission will treat such reports with utmost confidentiality,” he said.

The EVC said that transparent markets helped businesses to grow, fair prices benefit consumers while responsible trade helped in building stronger communities.