The Federal Government, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has reiterated its commitment to safegua...
The Federal Government, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting fair trade practices across major markets in Kano State.
This assurance was given during a Market Engagement Forum held at the Dawanau International Grains Market in Kano. Representing the FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, the Commission’s Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, Bridget Etim, said the visit was part of an ongoing effort to engage directly with market stakeholders.
“We are here because consumer protection does not happen from a distance,” Etim told the gathering of traders, market leaders, and stakeholders. “It begins in the markets, where traders like you drive the economy, sustain livelihoods, and contribute to national growth.”
She noted that the engagement forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to empower Nigerians, support economic inclusiveness, and ensure ethical market practices.
Etim raised concern over widespread violations threatening market integrity, including the sale of underweight and mislabelled products such as rice and maize, rebagging of expired or substandard goods as premium brands, circulation of counterfeit products, price-fixing by trade associations, tampered weighing scales, and poor complaint resolution mechanisms.
“These are not minor infractions—they are clear violations of the law,” she stated. “They hurt both consumers and honest businesses.”
Citing a recent enforcement operation in Abuja, where the FCCPC shut down outlets selling rebranded substandard rice as imported varieties, she warned that similar actions are being planned in Kano. The Commission’s Market Monitoring Taskforce, she said, will be visiting the state in the coming weeks.
Etim explained that the FCCPC is adopting a multi-pronged strategy that includes sanctioning offenders under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, distributing educational materials in local languages, and partnering with market associations to provide compliance support and promote consumer awareness.
“If you’re conducting business transparently, you have nothing to fear. In fact, we consider you a partner,” she said. “But if you’re engaged in deceptive practices, the Commission will act—firmly and without delay.”
Welcoming the initiative, President of the Dawanau International Grains Market, Alhaji Muttaka Isa, said the forum aligns with the market’s long-standing commitment to ethical trading.
“We are pleased with the FCCPC’s presence here today,” Isa stated. “It will promote quality goods for consumers and uphold transparent pricing structures. Our market already follows clear rules, but we welcome regulation that is fair and balanced.”
He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between traders and regulators to create a trading environment that benefits all stakeholders.
In her closing remarks, Etim urged traders and consumers to report dishonest practices such as fake products, tampered weighing equipment, and artificial price hikes. “All reports are handled confidentially,” she assured. “We act on credible information.”
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