FCCPC Holds Market Engagement Forum In Four Major Markets In FCT, Seeks Traders Partnership On Consumer Protection

In its continuous determination to protect Nigerian consumers, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, today held Market Engagement Forum in Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji main markets of the Federal Capital Territory.

Addressing traders and market union leaders during the Engagement Forum in the four Markets in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello said the event is part of the Commission’s ongoing national drive to directly connect with those who make Nigeria markets work.

Mr Tunji Bello who was represented by the Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer in FCCPC, Mrs Bridget Etim stated that the market engagement also aligns with with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda which prioritizes economic reform, consumer empowerment and inclusive growth.

The Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC who restated the commitment of the Commission towards sanitizing Nigerian markets through effective regulations called for the collaboration of the traders adding that real protection comes from mutual understanding

Mr Tunji Bello promised that FCCPC would continue to provide training and compliance support for traders and embark on education campaigns in major languages towards strengthening partnership with market associations in the country.

“Markets like this are the heartbeat of our economy! and this is where everyday Nigerians hustle, trade, provide for their families, and contribute to national economic growth and that is why the FCCPC is here, not in an office, not in a conference hall, but right here with you because this is where consumer protection must begin: on the ground, in the markets, among the people” He said

In his words”This market engagement aligns squarely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic reform, consumer empowerment, and inclusive growth. By tackling unfair trade practices, promoting transparent market conduct, and safeguarding consumer rights, the FCCPC is reinforcing the administration’s commitment to restoring trust in public institutions, stimulating enterprise, and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach ordinary Nigerians”.

“Our visit is not for show. We are here to educate, but also to collaborate, because real protection comes from mutual understanding, shared responsibility, and deliberate action. We also want to listen, learn, and act and simply put, the Commission’s mandate is to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure lawful, transparent, and responsible business conduct in Nigeria’s markets and this mandate guides all of our interventions; from consumer education to enforcement.

“Let me be clear that the FCCPC has already commenced surveillance an enforcement across several markets. Just two months ago, precisely in Apr 2025, the Commission’s operatives sealed several shops in Utako Market Abuja, after uncovering deceptive practices involving the rebagging of illic rice as foreign brands and only last week, we inaugurated an Inter-agency Market Monitorin Taskforce to combat counterfeits and ensure consumer safety and welfaRe in four key pilot markets within the FCT. These include Wuse Market, Market, Garki International Market, and Garki Modern Market”.

He explained that some of the unfair and unlawful practices the Commission is investigating and taking action against include the rebagging and mislabelling items and this occurs when old, expired, substandard, or unsafe go repackaged and falsely presented as fresh, genuine, or popular bran practice constitutes fraud, and is widespread in the sale of staples and other fast-moving consumer goods. It deceives consumers and them to serious health risks while undermining honest traders who the rules.

*Another concern is the practice of price fixing by market associa trader groups. In this case, prices are not determined by compe actual cost but are instead arbitrarily agreed upon and artificially through collusion. This manipulation is especially common durin periods or in times of scarcity, and it distorts the market to the det consumers. Such conduct directly contravenes the Federal Compe Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which prohibit agreem restrain competition and promote unfair trade practices and the Commission is also addressing the issue of inaccurate meas and weights. Some traders deliberately tamper with their measure or pad measuring instruments in order to sell underweight or under goods. This dishonest practice short-changes consumers”.

“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.

Let us build a marketplace where fairness is the standard, not the exception. A system that protects the honest, punishes the dishonest, and rewards integrity” He added

Speaking on behalf of the Traders, the Chairman, Kwali Market Association, Alhaji Sani Ibrahim commended FCCPC for the Market Engagement Forum and appealed to the Commission to always carry the traders along in its activities.