FCCPC Raises Concern Over Surge in Unsafe and Counterfeit Items

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has expressed new worries about the growing availability of dangerous and inferior goods in Nigerian marketplaces, cautioning that this trend is eroding consumer trust and compromising the nation’s economic stability.

At the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards and World Consumer Rights Day 2026 celebration in Abuja on Wednesday, 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 increasing uncertainties surrounding product safety.

We are here at a time when consumer trust, 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 fact: trust erodes in situations where safety is unknown.

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Additionally, markets become weaker, less reliable, and less efficient when confidence declines. The Commission continues to come across items that don’t adhere to fundamental safety and quality criteria across a number of industries. These include products that don’t meet basic safety standards, commodities with incorrect labels, and sometimes behavior that raises questions about deception, he said.

Bello, 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 don’t adhere to fundamental safety and quality criteria in a number of different industries.

He claims that they include products with incorrect labels, those that don’t meet basic safety standards, and instances of makers and distributors deceiving consumers.

He blamed the state of affairs on inadequate internal controls, a bad compliance culture, and, occasionally, willful disdain for legal requirements.

The head of the FCCPC made a clear connection between product safety and overall economic stability and investor confidence, departing from conventional consumer protection rhetoric.

Unsafe markets discourage participation, distort competition, and ultimately reduce economic efficiency, he explained.

Weak internal controls are the cause of some of these mishaps. Others show flaws in the culture of compliance. There are signs of willful disregard for legal and regulatory requirements in some cases.

“The impact is severe and immediate. Law-abiding companies are disadvantaged, consumers are exposed to preventable dangers, and market trust is eroded. As a result, product safety cannot be considered an incidental issue. It is a fundamental duty with obvious implications for the general welfare.

Bello said, “This strategy is in line with the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reform program, which focuses on enhancing consumer confidence, bolstering market integrity, and fostering 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 encourage 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 think twice about enforcing compliance.

“Consumers are entitled to goods that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose,” he continued, adding that the law requires prompt remedial action when products present dangers. Companies have an obligation to make sure that the goods they sell continuously adhere to these criteria.

The law mandates swift corrective action, such as withdrawal, recall, and appropriate consumer notification, when a product poses a risk. These expectations are mandatory. They are required by law, according to Bello.

He pointed out that the FCCPC has already improved product testing in important industries and increased market surveillance.

When behavior raises questions about the safety of consumers, these issues are looked at. In accordance with our mandate, appropriate enforcement action is taken when violations are proven,” he continued.

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Bello stated that 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 objectives are to close regulatory gaps through cooperative interventions, coordinated enforcement, and information exchange.

When organizations collaborate, consumer protection is most successful. Clear institutional roles, uniform enforcement, and consistent alignment are necessary for successful 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 delighted to join us today. Every one of these organizations or trade groups is crucial in making sure that goods fulfill accepted standards both before and after they are put on the market. According to the head of the FCCPC, clear institutional duties, uniform enforcement, and standard alignment are necessary for effective results.

Bello highlighted that although the FCCPC does not control pricing, it is still dedicated to combating unfair practices in the face of mounting public complaints over price increases.

“The Commission does not control prices,” he stated. Fair pricing, however, is a necessary 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 in all aspects of their business.

“Every phase of your business, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail, needs to incorporate product safety. It cannot be viewed as an afterthought or as something that should only be addressed after damage has been done. When flaws or safety hazards are found, prompt remedial action is necessary. Delays destroy trust, increase exposure, and worsen customer harm.

“If you don’t behave responsibly, the government will take action. For the regulator, compliance is not a favor. It is a prerequisite for engaging in the market. Nigerian consumers should continue to be informed, watchful, and involved. Pose queries. Examine items before making a buy. Pay attention to quality, safety, and labeling information. Report issues when they come up, he advised.

Additionally, he urged customers to take a more proactive part in protecting the market.

“Remain informed, watchful, and involved, Nigerian consumers.” Pose queries. Examine items before making a buy. Bello advised paying attention to quality, safety, and labeling information.

“When consumers are knowledgeable and engaged in the market, consumer protection is stronger.”

Bello praised National Consumers Contest participants, highlighting the value of education and characterizing them as future proponents of responsible consumption.

“Enforcement is just one aspect of consumer protection. It also 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, medicines, electronics, and home goods.

Regulators have identified poor levels of compliance, lax enforcement, and porous borders 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 bolster market institutions as part of its larger economic reform plan.

The Commission’s message is clear to both consumers and businesses: greater active participation from all stakeholders, better enforcement, and tighter compliance are necessary to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s markets.

“Responsible company practices, efficient regulation, and informed consumer participation are essential for safe and dependable markets. Bello said, “That standard must be consistently upheld.”