Federal Competition And Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)

Folashade Adeniran
Jul, Wed, 2025

FCCPC warns traders against price inflation, substandard goods

By Taiye Olayemi

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued warning to traders across Lagos State to cease artificial price inflation and ensure the authenticity and safety of their goods.

Mr Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, gave the directive at a Market Engagement Forum organised by the commission in Lagos.

Bello, represented by Mrs Bridget Etim, Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, FCCPC, underscored the commitment of the commission to fostering fair competition and safeguarding consumer rights, as enshrined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

He reminded all businesses, irrespective of their scale or operational setting, that they are subject to the provisions of this law.

Bello said that findings from recent FCCPC operations included the discovery of expired rice re-bagged and sold as premium brands at Daleko Market.

He condemned such “wrong and illegal” practices, emphasising the inherent risks to public health and the damage inflicted on the reputation of honest traders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FCCPC’s intensified engagement extended to major markets in Lagos, namely Mile 12 and Alaba.

At Mile 12, Lagos’s largest food hub, the commission tackled issues of tampered scales, under-weighing, the repackaging of spoilt produce, and suspected price-fixing of essential staples like rice, pepper, and yam.

Similarly, at Alaba International Market, a prominent electronics hub, the FCCPC addressed concerns related to the sale of counterfeit appliances, misleadingly labeled “Tokunbo” (fairly used) goods.

Others include false warranty claims, and coordinated price-fixing of electronics such as televisions, generators, and phones.

“These are not minor issues. They affect household income, endanger consumer safety, and erode public trust.

“They violate key provisions of the FCCPA 2018, which prohibit deceptive practices and unfair pricing,” the FCCPC boss said.

He stressed that such violations not only harm the integrity of the market but also disadvantage honest traders who adhere to ethical practices.

While acknowledging the pressures faced by traders, including rising operational costs, Bello reiterated the FCCPC’s dual mandate: consumer protection and the amplification of genuine business concerns to relevant agencies.

He called for a collaborative approach with market leaders to establish new standards of integrity, where fair competition thrives and consumers can shop with confidence.

Bello urged traders to always ensure honesty and respect in their dealings with customers, to promptly address consumer concerns and complaints.

According to him, FCCPC is optimistic that this renewed engagement will lead to a shared vision with market associations to eradicate all forms of abusive and deceptive practices.

Speaking at the forum in Mile 12, Alhaji Shehu Jibril, Chairman, Mile 12 Market, that farmer security is critical for national food security and for them to be able to cultivate and harvest without facing ransom threats.

He called for investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks dedicated to transporting perishable items, noting that using the same trucks for chemicals and food is unsafe and harmful.

Jibril stated that the excessive cost of over N150,000 to transport goods from Kano to Lagos, driven by multiple taxes, severely impedes the movement of goods.

He appealed for government grants to support struggling traders, especially in large markets like Mile 12 Market, noting that most traders lack capital and need funding to sustain food supply chains.

Also, Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, Chairman, Alaba International Amalgamated Council of Sections, expressed the market’s readiness to work with the FCCPC, stressing the association’s commitment to stop selling bad goods but promote honest business.

Amajuoyi, who also heads the International Market Association Electronics, noted past engagements with FCCPC, where similar agreement and understanding with the CPC brought good results.

Also, the President-General of Alaba Council said traders in Alaba do not sell fake product no but highlighted a shift in the market where members were focusing on Nigerian brands, made locally.

“Most products here are indigenous. We are selling our own branded goods now,” he explained.

Amajuoyi denied claims of fake goods in Alaba.

“We are not selling fakes. Although, some of us stopped selling foreign products,” he added.

Amajuoyi insisted the market would help the FCCPC, saying, “the excutive will find and catch those selling bad products.

“Such illegal acts hurt Alaba’s name. “We are ready to partner with you. We will help find those who subsidise originals.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Daleko traders resist FCCPC illegal rebranded rice enforcement

Folashade Adeniran
Jul, Wed, 2025

Economy/Business

Daleko traders resist FCCPC illegal rebranded rice enforcement

By Kazeem Akande

Traders in Daleko Market, Mushin, Lagos State, on Wednesday prevented officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from carrying out an enforcement exercise regarding the illegal sale of rebranded rice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hundreds of traders at Daleko Market came out of their shops, obstructing FCCPC officials from performing their duty.

Mrs Margaret Aboluwade, the FCCPC Southwest Zonal Coordinator, during the enforcement exercise, told newsmen that the market leadership and the traders would face the wrath of the law.

“The traders resisted us from carrying out our constitutional responsibility. We’ll get to our headquarters, and the needful will be done.

“We will not say what will happen now, but I know that the needful will be done. Also, some of them alleged that they’re not the only ones selling rebranded Stallion and Cap rice products.

“As we all know, these companies have folded up or left the country since 2015, and we still see their rice products in the market to date.

NAN also report that traders also restricted the FCCPC officials from sealing shops displaying these illegal products.

“They obstructed the officials from carrying out the exercise due to their population in the market, but we don’t want it to result in violence or market violence.

“Both Stallion and Cap rice are no longer in the market; they are not functioning any longer. What they do is get local rice and rebrand it as Stallion or Cap rice,” Aboluwade noted.

According to her, they rebrand Nigerian rice and expired imported products by packaging them and selling them to innocent consumers.

The zonal coordinator further explained that the FCCPC would not relent in it mandate to protect the interest of consumers.

“We are here to protect the rights of consumers, the reason why we are here is to seal up shops,to seal up selling Cap rice, because we know they are not authentic rice,” she emphasised.

One of the market leaders, who chose not to be named, said that the matter would be resolved by both the government and the market stakeholders.

She added that efforts would be made to curtail the illegal activities in the market, as the leadership would ensure the market is free from the alleged rebranding.

“We are widows and single mothers; this is the business we do to cater for our family, and we will put more effort into sanitising the rice business in the market,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

FCCPC launches forum in Sango-Ota to address IBEDC consumer grievances

Folashade Adeniran
Apr, Tue, 2025

General News

FCCPC launches forum in Sango-Ota to address IBEDC consumer grievances

By Ige Adekunle

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched an intervention in Sango-Ota, Ogun, convening a three-day electricity consumer forum to address the grievances of residents against the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The forum is in response to complaints which include allegations of negligence and a situation where communities were reportedly funding their own electricity infrastructure while still facing exorbitant bills.

Its Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Tunji Bello, during the forum on Monday, reiterated the FCCPC’s commitment to providing effective consumer protection.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day forum was organised by the FCCPC in collaboration with the Sango/Ita Community Development Committee (SACDC).

Bello, represented by Mrs Bridget Etim, a director from the FCCPC, said, “The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) will be present to address complaints directly.

“This initiative aligns with our mandate to make consumer protection practical, accessible, and effective.”

He urged residents to utilise the forum to report service-related grievances through the appropriate channels for timely resolution.

Bello said the forum was designed to close the communication gap between consumers and service providers in the electricity sector.

“Electricity is not just a commodity; it is a vital service that powers livelihoods, businesses, and economic progress,” he said.

The FCCPC’s Chief Executive Officer acknowledged ongoing challenges in the sector, which include poor metering, inaccurate billing, and infrastructure deficits.

“The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) will be present to address complaints directly. This initiative aligns with our mandate to make consumer protection practical, accessible, and effective,” he added.

Bello reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to educating consumers on their rights and facilitating complaint resolution, while promoting fair practices among service providers.

Meanwhile, Mr Francis Agoha, Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, described the forum as timely, noting that it would help resolve long-standing disputes between the company and consumers.

Agoha, represented by Mr Abdulrasaq Jimoh, Regional Manager, Abeokuta Region, emphasised that many consumers fail to follow proper procedures when they invest in electricity infrastructure such as transformers and meters.

According to him, while communities are encouraged to invest, there are regulatory guidelines that must be followed to ensure their investments are recoverable.

“When consumers or communities purchase transformers or pay for meters, there is a legal process that requires documentation and regulatory approval.

“Immediate refunds are not made in cash but are compensated through energy credits over time,” Agoha stated.

He noted that some communities erect transformers without consulting the necessary regulatory authorities, which not only breaches regulations but also exposes residents to serious safety risks.

“Installing a transformer requires licensed electrical contractors and regulatory oversight from bodies like NEMSA.

“Communities must inform both the regulators and the Disco before any installations,” he warned.

Addressing concerns that some communities feel compelled to self-fund electricity projects because of perceived delays or financial constraints on the part of IBEDC, Agoha clarified: “We do not officially instruct consumers to buy transformers or meters.

“However, where they choose to invest, they must engage the right procedures to ensure safety and proper reimbursement.”

He further explained that energy theft remains a major challenge for distribution companies, affecting their ability to recover costs and provide reliable services.

“Only about 40 to 60 per cent of distributed energy is recovered financially due to rampant electricity theft.

“Unfortunately, many consumers believe they should not pay for electricity even after using it,” he lamented.

On billing disputes, Agoha encouraged residents to escalate complaints properly.

“If consumers are billed unfairly or receive poor service, they should report to the FCCPC or NERC. Valid complaints backed with evidence lead to refunds in the form of energy credits,” he assured.

He cited the recent downgrade of the Sango Feeder from Band A to Band C due to unstable power supply, adding that affected consumers who had prepaid for higher service bands would be compensated accordingly.

Also, Mr Olatunji Onaolapo, Zonal Chairman of the Ado-Odo/Ota Community Development Committee, said the forum offered a platform to escalate persistent complaints about IBEDC’s services.

He lamented that in spite of multiple meetings with the company’s management, issues remained unresolved.

“We turned to the FCCPC after exhausting all efforts with IBEDC.

“Communities are forced to purchase their own wires, transformers, and poles, yet are burdened with exorbitant bills,” Onaolapo said.

He urged IBEDC to provide prepaid meters and eliminate estimated billing, stressing that fairer practices would restore consumer confidence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa