The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a joint market monitoring taskforce aimed at removing unsafe products and curbing unethical business practices across markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The taskforce was formally inaugurated on Wednesday in Abuja by the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, who was represented by Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department.
Mr Bello stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCP Act), which mandates the Commission to take active measures to eliminate hazardous products and harmful commercial practices from the market.
He noted that the creation of the taskforce reaffirms the FCCPC’s dedication to consumer protection and fostering a level playing field for businesses operating within Nigerian markets.
“This initial phase of the taskforce will involve market executives from four key markets in the FCT: Wuse, Utako, Garki International and Garki Modern Markets,” he said, adding that similar units would soon be established in markets across the country to combat anti-competitive conduct and improve market standards.
“It is no secret that our markets are inundated with fake, counterfeit and substandard products that are either unfit for use or pose serious health and safety risks to consumers,” Mr Bello said.
“At a time when both consumers and businesses are grappling with economic pressure, it is more critical than ever that people get value for their money,” he added.
Quoting Section 17 of the FCCP Act, Bello noted that the law empowers the Commission to take firm action against dangerous and substandard products and to stamp out exploitative, dishonest and misleading business tactics.
“These include anti-competitive behaviours that significantly reduce or eliminate healthy competition in the market,” he explained.
He also stressed that effective enforcement relies on collaborative efforts between regulators and stakeholders, particularly market leaders and unions.
“Market executives, union leaders and regulators must come together as a unified force to make our markets safer, fairer and more effective for all,” he said.
Presenting the taskforce’s terms of reference, Mr Marvin Nadah, Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the FCCPC, outlined its core responsibilities. These include gathering intelligence on deceptive or unfair marketing and business practices, and carrying out both overt and covert surveillance and inspections in the markets.
He explained that the taskforce will inspect goods sold in these markets for potential breaches of the FCCP Act, and, where necessary, remove or seize products deemed unsafe or substandard. It will also have the authority to seal shops, warehouses or outlets that stock such goods.
Musa Shelleng, Head of Monitoring and Enforcement at Abuja Market Management Ltd., urged the FCCPC to prioritise proper sensitisation of traders before enforcement activities begin.
“Not every trader sets out to cut corners. Some simply lack awareness of the regulations. You must clearly inform them of what is allowed and what is not before you act,” Shelleng said.
Supporting the Commission’s efforts, Mr Paul Nnamani, Chairman of the Garki Modern Market Traders Association, said market executives would cooperate fully with the FCCPC to root out illegal and harmful practices.
“We will relay all information from the Commission to traders in our markets. Awareness is key,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr Nelson Onwuemeodo, Chairman of the Utako Market Association, urged the FCCPC to establish offices in all states and local government areas to broaden its oversight and enforcement capabilities.
“Having state offices would enable the Commission to monitor and respond to dubious practices in real time across the country,” he noted.
The FCCPC has confirmed that the taskforce model will also be extended to satellite town markets within the FCT as part of a nationwide rollout strategy.