The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to traders across Lagos State to stop 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, delivered this directive during a Market Engagement Forum organized by the commission in Lagos. Bello, who was represented by Mrs. Bridget Etim, Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, emphasized the commission's commitment to fostering fair competition and safeguarding consumer rights as outlined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018.
The FCCPC chief reminded all businesses, regardless of size or operational setting, that they are subject to the provisions of this law. Recent operations by the commission uncovered alarming practices, including expired rice being re-bagged and sold as premium brands at Daleko Market.
"These are wrong and illegal practices," Bello stated, highlighting the significant risks to public health and the damage such actions cause to the reputation of honest traders.
Market Violations Across Lagos
The commission's intensified engagement extended to other major markets in Lagos, including Mile 12 and Alaba International Market. At Mile 12, Lagos's largest food hub, the FCCPC addressed issues of tampered scales, under-weighing, repackaging of spoilt produce, and suspected price-fixing of essential staples like rice, pepper, and yam.
At Alaba International Market, a prominent electronics hub, the commission tackled concerns related to the sale of counterfeit appliances, misleadingly labeled "Tokunbo" (fairly used) goods, 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," Bello emphasized.
Call for Collaboration
While acknowledging the pressures faced by traders, including rising operational costs, the FCCPC chief reiterated the commission'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 ensure honesty and respect in their dealings with customers and to promptly address consumer concerns and complaints.
The FCCPC expressed optimism that this renewed engagement will lead to a shared vision with market associations to eradicate all forms of abusive and deceptive practices.
Traders' Concerns
Speaking at the forum in Mile 12, Alhaji Shehu Jibril, Chairman of Mile 12 Market, highlighted that farmer security is critical for national food security, emphasizing the need for farmers to be able to cultivate and harvest without facing ransom threats.
Jibril 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. He also pointed out 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.
The market chairman appealed for government grants to support struggling traders, especially in large markets like Mile 12, noting that most traders lack capital and need funding to sustain food supply chains.
Stay updated on consumer protection news and market regulations by following BenriNews on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Telegram.
