The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has expressed new worries about the proliferation of dangerous and inferior goods in Nigerian marketplaces, cautioning that this trend is eroding consumer trust and compromising the nation’s economic stability.
On Wednesday in Abuja, at the celebration of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards, Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, raised the alarm.
Speaking on the theme of “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” Bello stated that market behavior and trust are already being impacted by the growing uncertainties surrounding product safety.
We are gathered at a moment when consumer confidence, market integrity, and public welfare all depend heavily on product safety. This year’s celebration’s theme, Safe Products, Confident Consumers, encapsulates a straightforward but crucial reality: confidence erodes in situations when safety is unknown.
Additionally, markets grow weaker, less reliable, and less efficient when confidence wanes. The Commission still comes across items that don’t adhere to fundamental safety and quality criteria in a number of industries. These include products that don’t meet basic safety standards, incorrectly labeled goods, and occasionally behavior that raises questions about deception, he added.
Bello, who was represented by Bola Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the FCCPC, revealed that the Commission has continued to come across a variety of items that fall short of fundamental safety and quality criteria in a number of industries.
He claims that they include products with incorrect labels, those that don’t meet basic safety standards, and instances of manufacturers and distributors misrepresenting their products.
He blamed the state of affairs on inadequate internal controls, a culture of noncompliance, and, in certain cases, willful disdain for legal requirements.
The head of the FCCPC made a clear connection between investor confidence and overall economic stability and product safety, departing from conventional consumer protection rhetoric.
He clarified that risky markets deter investment, skew competition, and eventually reduce economic efficiency.
Weak internal controls are a contributing factor in several of these failures. Others show weaknesses in the culture of compliance. There are signs of intentional disregard for legal and regulatory requirements in some cases.
“The impact is severe and instantaneous. Law-abiding companies are put at a disadvantage, consumers are exposed to preventable dangers, and market trust is eroded. As a result, product safety cannot be considered a secondary issue. It is a fundamental duty with obvious implications for the public good.
Bello said, “This strategy is in line with the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reform program, which focuses on strengthening market integrity, enhancing consumer confidence, and promoting a rules-based business environment.”
He contends that consumer protection is an essential component of sustainable economic growth rather than just a regulatory role.
“Markets that are transparent, safe, and dependable promote sustainable growth and give investors more confidence to participate,” he continued.
Bello emphasized that product safety is a legal requirement under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and cautioned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce compliance.
“Consumers are entitled to goods that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose,” he continued, adding that the legislation requires prompt corrective action when products present dangers. Companies have an obligation to make sure that the goods they sell regularly adhere to these criteria.
The law mandates quick corrective action, such as withdrawal, recall, and appropriate consumer disclosure, when a product poses a risk. These expectations are not optional. According to Bello, these obligations are mandated by law.
He pointed out that the FCCPC has already tightened product testing in important industries and increased market surveillance.
“When behavior raises questions regarding the safety of consumers, these issues are looked into. In accordance with our mission, appropriate enforcement action is taken when violations are found,” he continued.
According to Bello, the Commission is strengthening its cooperation with other regulatory organizations, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organization of Nigeria, in order to address systemic flaws.
He clarified that the collaborations’ main goals are to close regulatory gaps through cooperative interventions, coordinated enforcement, and information exchange.
When institutions collaborate, consumer protection is most successful. Clear institutional roles, uniform enforcement, and consistent alignment are necessary for effective results.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Standards Organization of Nigeria, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria are glad to join us today. In order to guarantee that goods fulfill acceptable standards both before and after they are put on the market, each of these organizations or trade groups is crucial. The head of the FCCPC stated that clear institutional duties, uniform enforcement, and standard alignment are necessary for effective results.
Bello highlighted that while the FCCPC does not control pricing, it is still dedicated to combating unfair practices in the face of growing public complaints about price increases.
“The Commission does not control prices,” he declared. Fair pricing, however, is a crucial component of a healthy market.
“We will continue to take action when behavior compromises safety, fairness, or transparency, or otherwise harms consumers in violation of the law.”
The head of the FCCPC urged importers, producers, and service providers to put product safety first at every level of their business.
Every phase of your business, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail, needs to incorporate product safety. It cannot be handled as an afterthought or as something that should only be addressed after damage has been done. Corrective action must be taken promptly when flaws or safety hazards are found. Delays worsen customer harm, increase exposure, and undermine trust.
“If you don’t behave responsibly, the government will take action.” The regulator does not benefit from compliance. It is a prerequisite for taking part in the market. To Nigerian customers, stay informed, watchful, and involved. Make inquiries. Examine goods before making a purchase. Take note of the safety, quality, and labeling information. “Report issues as they come up,” he stated.
Additionally, he urged customers to take a more active part in protecting the market.
“Remain informed, watchful, and involved, Nigerian consumers. Make inquiries. Examine goods before making a purchase. Bello advised paying attention to safety, quality, and labeling information.
“When consumers are knowledgeable and involved in the market, consumer protection is stronger.”
Bello praised the National Consumers Contest participants, emphasizing the value of education and characterizing them as future proponents of responsible consumerism.
“Enforcement is not the only aspect of consumer protection. Additionally, it involves critical thinking, education, awareness, and responsible participation, he stated.
Nigeria has long struggled with the flood of inferior and fake goods, especially in industries like food, medicine, electronics, and household items.
Porous borders, lax enforcement, and low levels of compliance have all been identified by regulators as the main causes of the issue.
A more stringent regulatory approach is indicated by the FCCPC’s renewed drive, particularly as the government works to fortify market institutions as part of its larger plan for economic reform.
The Commission’s message is clear to both consumers and businesses: greater active participation from all stakeholders, stronger enforcement, and stricter compliance are necessary to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s markets.
“Responsible company practices, efficient regulation, and informed consumer participation are essential to safe and dependable markets. Bello said, “That standard must be upheld consistently.”
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