FCCPC intensifies market sensitisation to boost consumer protection, compliance

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has intensified its market sensitisation campaign aimed at promoting consumer awareness and strengthening regulatory compliance across key commercial centres.

Mrs Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, during a market sensitisation programme on Thursday in Lagos, said the initiative adopts a “street-level sensitisation” approach designed to engage traders and consumers directly within their everyday business environments.

“We are taking sensitisation to the streets because we want to meet businesses and consumers where they are. The goal is to turn regulatory awareness into everyday market practices,” she said.

Otti explained that the exercise, already conducted in locations such as Computer Village and ongoing in other major markets, forms part of the commission’s broader strategy to entrench a culture of compliance at the grassroots.

“This sensitisation is geared towards building a culture of compliance and consumer consciousness from the ground up. We want to prevent violations before they occur by ensuring traders understand their obligations and consumers know their rights and responsibilities,” she said.

She noted that consumer education remains a critical tool in protecting the public from exploitation.

“When you empower consumers with the information they need before going to the market, you have already protected them,” she added.

Otti clarified that the commission does not regulate prices but ensures fairness and healthy competition in the marketplace.

“The FCCPC does not fix prices. We allow the forces of demand and supply to interact. However, prices must be fair, and any form of price fixing by businesses is a violation of the law,” she said.

She warned that price fixing, whether through verbal, written or tacit agreements, contravenes the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

On enforcement, Otti said the commission is currently prioritising advocacy but will not hesitate to take action where violations are established.

“We are creating awareness first. But when violations happen, the law will take its course,” she said.

She added that the commission’s Surveillance and Investigations Department conducts routine inspections in markets to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

“Our officers go to markets regularly to inspect products. Any product found to violate the provisions of the Act will be sanctioned,” she said.

Otti also emphasised the importance of collaboration with other regulatory agencies to strengthen consumer protection efforts nationwide.

On product labelling, she reiterated that all goods must carry information in English to ensure clarity and accessibility for consumers.

“English is the official language of Nigeria. Any product not labelled in English has violated the law. Information must be clear and understandable to all categories of consumers,” she said.

She urged consumers to report unfair business practices, stressing that consumer protection requires collective responsibility.

“Consumer protection is not just for regulators; it involves all stakeholders. If you see anything unfair in the market, alert us,” she noted.

Meanwhile, traders and consumers at Alaba International Market have commended the commission for intensifying sensitisation campaigns aimed at protecting consumers from exploitation and substandard goods.

The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), focused on educating market stakeholders on their rights regarding goods and services.

Mr Monye Bernard, Principal Programme Officer, NOA, said the initiative was designed to empower consumers with the knowledge needed to seek redress when exploited.

“We are here to inform consumers about their rights on goods and services. This is a collaboration between the NOA and the FCCPC to ensure Nigerians are protected.

“For example, during the festive period last December, there were arbitrary increases in transport fares, in some cases from about N120 to over N300. The Federal Government does not want such exploitation to continue.

“The same applies to the sale of fake or substandard electronics. If a consumer buys a product that fails to function as expected, they should report to the FCCPC,” he said.

Bernard urged consumers to lodge complaints at the FCCPC office located in Lagos, or through its official communication channels.

A trader, Mrs Augustina Okenna, described the sensitisation as timely, noting that many consumers were previously unaware of their rights.

“At least now, when we buy something and it is not correct, we know where to report. This programme will help everyone because people will begin to stand for their rights,” she said.

Okenna added that she would share the information with other traders and customers, stressing that increased awareness would discourage unfair practices in the market.

Another electronics dealer, Mr Chinedu Okafor, said the campaign would also help genuine traders distinguish themselves from those dealing in counterfeit goods.

“When customers know their rights, it will reduce the activities of those selling fake products. Serious business owners will also benefit because trust will increase,” he said.

Similarly, a customer, Mr Emeka Nwankwo, said the initiative would encourage accountability among sellers.

“Many of us have been victims of buying items that stop working almost immediately. Knowing that we can report and get justice gives us confidence,” he said.

Nwankwo urged the government to sustain the awareness drive across markets in Lagos and beyond.

Some transport operators in the area also acknowledged the need to address arbitrary fare increases during peak periods.

They noted that excessive hikes place undue burden on commuters. They, however, appealed to government to address rising operational costs affecting businesses.

FTN reports that the FCCPC has continued to expand its consumer education campaigns nationwide to curb exploitative practices and promote fair market competition.