Abuja: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has constituted a joint market monitoring taskforce to eliminate unsafe products and obnoxious business practices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) markets. Inaugurating the taskforce on Wednesday, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, represented by Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department, stated that this initiative aligns with the FCCP Act.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Act mandates the commission to seek ways of removing hazardous and unsafe products from the markets. This move highlights FCCPC's dedication to protecting consumers and enhancing business competitiveness. The taskforce, in its first phase, will engage market executives from Wuse, Utako, Garki International, and Garki Modern Markets. Bello emphasized that the taskforce will eventually extend to all markets countrywide to curb anti-competitive practices.
Mr. Bello remarked that markets are often inundated with fake, counterfeit, and substandard consumer products that fail to meet safety standards, posing risks to consumer welfare. In an economic climate where obtaining value for money is crucial, Section 17 of the FCCP Act empowers the commission to eliminate hazardous products and combat unfair business practices.
The commission prioritizes collaboration with stakeholders to ensure effective market monitoring operations. Bello stressed the importance of unity between regulators and market leaders to create a fair market environment.
Mr. Marvin Nadah, Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation at FCCPC, presented the taskforce's terms of reference. The taskforce will gather intelligence on deceptive marketing practices and conduct surveillance and inspections to ensure compliance with the FCCP Act. It will also have the authority to seize and seal outlets distributing unsafe or substandard goods.
Musa Shelleng, Head of Monitoring and Enforcement at Abuja Market Management Ltd., urged the FCCPC to sensitize traders before enforcement, noting that not all traders are aware of market regulations. Mr. Paul Nnamani, Chairman of the Garki Modern Market Traders Association, expressed commitment to collaborating with the commission to eliminate bad practices. Mr. Nelson Onwuemeodo, Chairman of the Utako Market Association, advocated for establishing FCCPC offices nationwide to curb unscrupulous trader practices.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the taskforce will also be implemented in satellite towns of the FCT, ensuring widespread market monitoring and enforcement.