By Matthew Denis
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday held a Market Engagement Forum in four major markets within the Federal Capital Territory,Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Abaji, as part of its ongoing nationwide initiative to connect directly with the heartbeat of the Nigerian economy.
Addressing traders and market union leaders during the forum, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, said the outreach is central to FCCPC’s efforts to engage those who keep Nigeria’s markets running. Mr Bello was represented at the events by the Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, Mrs Bridget Etim.
According to the Commission, the forum aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic reforms, consumer empowerment, and inclusive growth. Mr Bello reiterated FCCPC’s commitment to sanitising the markets through robust regulation and active collaboration with traders.
He noted that genuine consumer protection can only be achieved through mutual understanding and trust between regulators and the business community. He assured participants that FCCPC would continue providing training, compliance support, and multilingual education campaigns aimed at fostering a stronger partnership with market associations nationwide.
“Markets like this are the heartbeat of our economy,” he declared.
“This is where everyday Nigerians hustle, trade, provide for their families, and contribute to national economic growth. That is why the FCCPC is here, not in an office, not in a conference hall, but right here with you, because consumer protection must start on the ground, in the markets, among the people.”
He stressed that the Commission’s engagement was neither symbolic nor superficial, adding: “We are here to educate, but also to collaborate. Real protection stems from shared responsibility and deliberate action. We are also here to listen, learn, and act. The Commission’s mandate is to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure lawful, transparent, and responsible business practices in Nigeria’s markets.”
Mr Bello revealed that FCCPC had already begun active surveillance and enforcement operations in various markets. He cited a major operation in April 2025, when the Commission sealed several shops in Abuja’s Utako Market for deceptive practices, particularly the rebagging of illicit rice and selling it as imported brands. He also mentioned the recent inauguration of an Inter-agency Market Monitoring Taskforce to tackle counterfeit goods and enforce safety standards in four pilot markets in the FCT: Wuse Market, Garki International Market, Garki Modern Market, and Garki Market.
Among the specific offences the Commission is currently investigating are the rebagging and mislabelling of products, where expired, substandard, or unsafe goods are repackaged and sold as fresh, authentic, or well-known brands. Mr Bello described this practice as fraudulent and widespread, particularly in the sale of staple foods and fast-moving consumer goods. He warned that it exposes consumers to serious health hazards and undermines honest traders.
The FCCPC also raised concerns over price-fixing by market associations and trader groups, whereby prices are not set by market forces or cost of production but are artificially determined through collusion.
This manipulation, often seen during festive seasons or periods of scarcity, distorts the market and disadvantages consumers. Such conduct is a direct violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which forbids agreements that suppress competition or encourage unfair practices.
Another area under scrutiny is the use of inaccurate measurements and weights. The Commission stated that some traders deliberately tamper with their instruments or use deceptive packaging to sell underweight or under-measured goods, cheating consumers in the process.
Mr Bello concluded by stating, “Nigeria cannot grow if her markets are broken. But when our markets are fair, competitive, and transparent, everybody wins, the buyer, the seller, and the economy.”