By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a grassroots sensitisation campaign across markets in Kwali, Abaji, and Gwagwalada in the FCT to tackle unfair trade practices and boost consumer confidence.
Speaking at a forum on Tuesday, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello, represented by Bridget Etim, said the campaign is part of efforts to enforce fair market conduct in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Markets are the heartbeat of our economy,” Bello said. “This is where consumer protection must begin.”
He noted that the Commission is investigating deceptive rebagging of expired food, price-fixing, manipulated measurements, and counterfeit goods, particularly involving staple foods like rice, beans, and garri.
Bello revealed that in April, shops in Utako Market were sealed for rebagging and falsely labeling rice. A task force has also been activated in major Abuja markets to monitor compliance.
He warned that collusion among traders, especially during festive periods, violates the FCCPA 2018, which prohibits anti-competitive practices and empowers the FCCPC to take action.
“We’re not here to fight traders,” Bello stressed. “We’re here to protect honest businesses and ensure consumers are not cheated.”
The FCCPC pledged support for traders through education, compliance training, and collaboration with market leaders, while urging them to report illegal practices.
“When markets are fair and transparent, everyone benefits—buyers, sellers, and the entire economy,” Bello said.
