FCCPC sets up task force to tackle fake products in Abuja markets

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has inaugurated a joint monitoring task force to eliminate hazardous products and clamp down on unfair business practices in markets across the federal capital territory (FCT).

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Tunji Bello, the executive vice-chairman (EVC) of the FCCPC, said the inauguration is the first phase.

Bello, represented by Boladale Adeyinka, the director of the surveillance and investigations department, said the move, which aligns with the FCCPC Act, will soon be extended to other states.

He said the Act mandates the commission to seek ways of removing hazardous products from the markets.

The FCCPC official said the move also underscores its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting business competitiveness in the market.

According to Bello, the first phase involves executives from four markets, including Wuse, Utako, Garki International, and Garki Modern Markets.

He said the task force would also be constituted in all markets across the country to curb anti-competitive practices..

”It is no news that our markets are flooded with fake, counterfeit and substandard consumer products that are not fit for intended purposes or unsafe or injurious to consumer welfare,” he said.

“At a time when both consumers and businesses are experiencing economic challenges, getting value for money expended on products has become very imperative.

“Section 17 of the FCCP Act mandates the commission to seek ways and means of removing hazardous and unsafe products from our markets.

“The Act also empowers the commission to eliminate obnoxious and unscrupulous business and marketing practices that are deceptive, unfair and misleading.”

Bello said such practices include anti-competitive acts that substantially prevent or lessen competition in our markets.

“The commission, in delivering its mandate, prioritises cooperation and collaboration with key stakeholders for greater success,” the FCCPC EVC said.

“Effective market monitoring operations require all hands to be on deck.”

“Regulators and market executives, or union leaders [should] come together as a team to make our market work for all.”

‘TASK FORCE MUST CARRY OUT ROUTINE SURVEILLANCE WITHIN MARKET’

Presenting the terms of reference of the taskforce, Marvin Nadah, deputy director of surveillance and investigation at the FCCPC, said the group would gather intelligence on misleading, unfair and deceptive marketing, trading, and business practices.

Nadah said the task force is saddled with the responsibility of carrying out overt or covert routine surveillance and inspections within the market.

“Other responsibilities are removing or seizing, if necessary, sealing up shops, warehouses or outlets containing products that are unsafe for consumption or substandard goods,” he said.

On his part, Musa Shelleng, head of monitoring and enforcement of Abuja Market Management Limited, appealed to the FCCPC to adequately sensitise the traders before embarking on enforcement.

“You must tell traders what to do and what not to do before the enforcement,” he said.

Paul Nnamani, chairman of the Gariki Modern Market Traders Association, said the market executives would partner with the commission to weed out obnoxious practices.

He said the information from the commission would be conveyed to traders.