Govt Vice Chairman/Chief Govt, Federal Competitors and Client Safety Fee (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, Wednesday mentioned it was deepening coordination with sector regulators and the nationwide requirements physique to handle weaknesses that permited unsafe merchandise to enter or stay within the Nigerian market.
Bello mentioned the transfer included structured collaboration, data sharing, and joint interventions the place crucial.
The FCCPC boss spoke in Abuja on the commemoration of World Client Rights Day 2026, with the theme, “Secure Merchandise, Assured Shoppers,” and the ninth Nationwide Younger Shoppers Contest Awards.
Bello reaffirmed the fee’s effort to successfully monitor and implement compliance throughout markets. He pressured that although the patron rights fee didn’t management costs, honest pricing remained a vital a part of a well-functioning market.
Represented by FCCPC Director, Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Bello said that the theme for the yr’s celebration, “captures a easy however vital fact: the place security is unsure, confidence declines. And the place confidence declines, markets develop into weaker, much less environment friendly, and fewer reliable”.
He identified that throughout a number of sectors, the fee continued to come across merchandise that didn’t meet fundamental security and high quality requirements, together with improperly labelled items, merchandise that fell wanting important security necessities, and, in some instances, conduct that raised considerations about misrepresentation.
He mentioned a number of the failures arose from weak inside controls whereas others mirrored gaps in compliance tradition.
Bello said that in sure situations, there have been indications of deliberate disregard for authorized and regulatory obligations.
He mentioned, “The impact is instant and severe. Shoppers are uncovered to avoidable dangers, belief available in the market is weakened, and law-abiding companies are positioned at a drawback.
“Product security, subsequently, can’t be handled as a secondary matter. It’s a core obligation, with clear public curiosity penalties.
“This method aligns with the federal authorities’s ongoing {economic} reform programme below the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on strengthening market integrity, bettering client confidence, and selling a rules-based enterprise surroundings.
“Client safety is a key a part of that effort. When markets are protected, dependable, and clear, they help sustainable progress and provides traders better confidence to take part.”
In line with him, the Federal Competitors and Client Safety Act, 2018 supplies a transparent authorized framework.
He mentioned below the regulation, customers have been entitled to items that have been protected, sturdy, and match for goal.
Bello maintained, “Companies are below an obligation to make sure that the merchandise they place available on the market constantly meet these requirements. The place a product presents a threat, the regulation requires immediate corrective motion, together with withdrawal, recall, and correct discover to customers.
“These should not non-obligatory expectations. They’re statutory duties. Non-compliance attracts regulatory penalties.”
He mentioned, “Consequently, the fee has expanded market surveillance and strengthened product testing in precedence sectors. The place conduct raises considerations about client security, such issues are investigated.
“We are going to proceed to behave the place conduct undermines equity, transparency or security, or in any other case harms customers in breach of the regulation. The place breaches are established, applicable enforcement motion is taken in keeping with our mandate.”
The patron safety chief government emphasised the necessity for establishments to work in live performance, saying that’s when they’re more practical.
Current on the occasion additionally have been representatives from of Competitors and Client Safety Tribunal, Requirements Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management (NAFDAC), and Producers Affiliation of Nigeria (MAN).
Bello defined that every of the establishments or commerce associations performed an vital function in guaranteeing that merchandise met acceptable requirements earlier than and after getting into the market.
He mentioned, “Efficient outcomes rely upon alignment in requirements, consistency in enforcement, and readability in institutional tasks.
“The media additionally stays an vital accomplice on this work. Correct and accountable reporting helps customers make knowledgeable selections, attracts consideration to dangerous practices, and helps public accountability.
“The fee will proceed to have interaction overtly and constructively in that regard. At present, we additionally recognise members within the ninth Nationwide Younger Shoppers Contest. This initiative kinds a part of a broader effort to construct client consciousness from an early stage within the lives of our younger folks.”
He added, “The scholars we honour as we speak remind us that client safety shouldn’t be solely about enforcement. It’s also about schooling, consciousness, important considering, and accountable engagement.
“We commend these younger members for his or her effort and perception. We additionally acknowledge the help of their colleges, lecturers, and oldsters, whose steerage continues to form knowledgeable and accountable future customers.”
Bello pressured, “To producers, importers, distributors, and repair suppliers, the expectation is evident. Product security have to be constructed into each stage of your operations, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail. It can’t be handled as an afterthought, or as a matter to be addressed solely after hurt has occurred.
“The place defects or security dangers are recognized, well timed corrective motion is required. Delay will increase publicity, deepens client hurt, and erodes belief. Failure to behave responsibly will entice regulatory response.”
He mentioned, “Compliance shouldn’t be a favour to the regulator. It’s a fundamental situation for taking part available in the market.
“To Nigerian customers, stay knowledgeable, vigilant, and engaged. Ask questions. Look at merchandise earlier than buy. Take note of labelling, high quality, and security data. Report considerations the place they come up.
“Client safety is stronger when customers are knowledgeable and lively members available in the market.”
Bello said, “The fee is dedicated to defending your rights and advancing fairer market outcomes. Secure and dependable markets rely upon accountable enterprise conduct, efficient regulation, and knowledgeable client participation. That normal have to be upheld constantly.”
James Emejo
Times Nigeria