By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ( FCCPC) says across several sectors, it has continued to encounter products that do not meet basic safety and quality standards.
It listed the products to include improperly labelled goods, products that fall short of essential safety requirements, and in some cases, conduct that raises concerns about misrepresentation.
It said some of these failures arose from weak internal controls, while others reflect gaps in compliance culture, stressing that in certain instances, there are indications of deliberate disregard for legal and regulatory obligations.
The FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello disclosed this yesterday in his opening remarks to the commemoration of the World Consumers Rights Day, 2026 held in Abuja.
Bello said: “The theme for this year’s celebration, Safe Products, Confident Consumers, captures a simple but important truth: where safety is uncertain, confidence declines and where confidence declines, markets become weaker, less efficient, and less trustworthy”
The FCCPC Chief Executive stated that the effect is immediate and serious as consumers are exposed to avoidable risks, trust in the market is weakened, and law-abiding businesses are placed at a disadvantage.
He explained that product safety, therefore, cannot be treated as a secondary matter, adding that it is a core obligation, with clear public interest consequences.
“This approach aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reform programme under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on strengthening market integrity, improving consumer confidence, and promoting a rules-based business environment,consumer protection is a key part of that effort”
“When markets are safe, reliable, and transparent, they support sustainable growth and give investors greater confidence to participate”
He further stated that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 provides a clear legal framework, consumers are entitled to goods that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose. Businesses are under a duty to ensure that the products they place on the market consistently meet these standards
He stressed that where a product presents a risk, the law requires prompt corrective action, including withdrawal, recall, and proper notice to consumers, these are not optional expectations but they are statutory duties. Non-compliance attracts regulatory consequences.
As a result, he noted that the Commission has expanded market surveillance and strengthened product testing in priority sectors.
“Where conduct raises concerns about consumer safety, such matters are investigated, where breaches are established, appropriate enforcement action is taken in line with our mandate””
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“We are also deepening coordination with sector regulators and the national standards body to address weaknesses that permit unsafe products to enter or remain in the market, this includes structured collaboration, information sharing, and joint interventions where necessary.”
He said that as a way of ensuring the welfare of consumers in the marketplace, the Commission remains steadfast in its efforts to effectively monitor and enforce compliance across the market.
“Let me also restate a point that is often misunderstood,the Commission does not control prices, however, fair pricing is an essential part of a well-functioning market, we will continue to act where conduct undermines fairness, transparency or safety, or otherwise harms consumers in breach of the law Consumer protection is most effective when institutions work in concert”
“We are pleased to be joined today by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
“Each of these institutions or trade association plays an important role in ensuring that products meet acceptable standards before and after they enter the market, effective outcomes depend on alignment in standards, consistency in enforcement, and clarity in institutional responsibilities.”
He said the media also remains an important partner in this work, stressing that accurate and responsible reporting helps consumers make informed choices, draws attention to harmful practices, and supports public accountability.
He assured that the Commission will continue to engage openly and constructively in that regard.
“Today, we also recognize participants in the 9th National Young Consumers Contest, this initiative forms part of a broader effort to build consumer awareness from an early stage in the lives of our young people, the students we honour today remind us that consumer protection is not only about enforcement, it is also about education, awareness, critical thinking, and responsible engagement.”
“We commend these young participants for their effort and insight. We also acknowledge the support of their schools, teachers, and parents, whose guidance continues to shape informed and responsible future consumers.”
“To manufacturers, importers, distributors, and service providers, the expectation is clear.
Product safety must be built into every stage of your operations, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail. It cannot be treated as an afterthought, or as a matter to be addressed only after harm has occurred.”
He stated that where defects or safety risks are identified, timely corrective action is required adding that delay increases exposure, deepens consumer harm, and erodes trust. Failure to act responsibly will attract regulatory response.
“Compliance is not a favour to the regulator, it is a basic condition for participating in the market to Nigerian consumers, remain informed, vigilant, and engaged. Ask questions. Examine products before purchase. Pay attention to labelling, quality, and safety information. Report concerns where they arise.”
