The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of unsafe and substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning that this trend is eroding consumer trust and undermining the country’s economic integrity.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, raised the alarm on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards.
Speaking on the theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” Bello said the rising uncertainty around product safety is already affecting market behaviour and consumer confidence.
“We are gathered at a time when product safety has become central to market integrity, consumer confidence, and public welfare. The theme for this year’s celebration, Safe Products, Confident Consumers, captures a simple but important truth: where safety is uncertain, confidence declines.
“And where confidence declines, markets become weaker, less efficient, and less trustworthy. Across several sectors, the Commission continues to encounter products that do not meet basic safety and quality standards. These include improperly labelled goods, products that fall short of essential safety requirements, and, in some cases, conduct that raises concerns about misrepresentation,” he said.
Bello, who was represented by FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Bola Adeyinka, disclosed that the Commission continues to find a wide range of products failing to meet basic safety and quality standards across multiple sectors.
He noted that these include improperly labelled goods, unsafe products, and instances of misrepresentation by manufacturers and distributors, attributing the problem to weak internal controls, poor compliance culture, and, in some cases, deliberate disregard for regulatory obligations.
Linking product safety directly to economic stability and investor confidence, Bello explained that unsafe markets discourage participation, distort competition, and reduce overall economic efficiency.
“Some of these failures arise from weak internal controls. Others reflect gaps in compliance culture. In certain instances, there are indications of deliberate disregard for legal and regulatory obligations.
“The effect is immediate and serious. Consumers are exposed to avoidable risks, trust in the market is weakened, and law-abiding businesses are placed at a disadvantage. Product safety, therefore, cannot be treated as a secondary matter. It is a core obligation, with clear public interest consequences.
“This approach aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reform programme, which focuses on strengthening market integrity, improving consumer confidence and promoting a rules-based business environment,” Bello stated.
He emphasised that consumer protection is not just a regulatory responsibility but a vital pillar for sustainable economic growth. “When markets are safe, reliable, and transparent, they support sustainable growth and give investors greater confidence to participate,” he added.
Bello warned that the Commission would enforce compliance rigorously, stressing that product safety is a legal obligation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
He added that any product posing risks must be addressed immediately. “Consumers are entitled to goods that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose. Businesses are under a duty to ensure that the products they place on the market consistently meet these standards.”
“Where a product presents a risk, the law requires prompt corrective action, including withdrawal, recall, and proper notice to consumers. These are not optional expectations. They are statutory duties,” he said.
The FCCPC has expanded market surveillance and strengthened product testing in key sectors. “Where conduct raises concerns about consumer safety, such matters are investigated. Where breaches are established, appropriate enforcement action is taken in line with our mandate,” Bello added.
To tackle systemic issues, the Commission is deepening collaboration with other regulators, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
He explained that these partnerships focus on information sharing, coordinated enforcement, and joint interventions to close regulatory gaps. “Consumer protection is most effective when institutions work in concert. Effective outcomes depend on alignment in standards, consistency in enforcement, and clarity in institutional responsibilities.
“We are pleased to be joined today by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. Each plays an important role in ensuring that products meet acceptable standards before and after they enter the market. Effective outcomes depend on alignment in standards, consistency in enforcement, and clarity in institutional responsibilities,” Bello said.
Addressing concerns over rising prices, Bello clarified that the FCCPC does not regulate prices but remains committed to tackling unfair practices. “The commission does not control prices. However, fair pricing is an essential part of a well-functioning market. We will continue to act where conduct undermines fairness, transparency, or safety, or otherwise harms consumers in breach of the law.”
He urged manufacturers, importers, and service providers to integrate product safety at every stage of operations.
“Product safety must be built into every stage of your operations, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail. It cannot be treated as an afterthought or as a matter to be addressed only after harm has occurred. Where defects or safety risks are identified, timely corrective action is required. Delay increases exposure, deepens consumer harm, and erodes trust.
“Failure to act responsibly will attract regulatory response. Compliance is not a favour to the regulator. It is a basic condition for participating in the market. To Nigerian consumers, remain informed, vigilant, and engaged. Ask questions. Examine products before purchase. Pay attention to labelling, quality, and safety information. Report concerns where they arise,” he said.
He also called on consumers to play a more active role in safeguarding the market. “To Nigerian consumers, remain informed, vigilant, and engaged. Ask questions. Examine products before purchase. Pay attention to labelling, quality and safety information,” Bello said.
“Consumer protection is stronger when consumers are informed and active participants in the market.”
Highlighting the role of education, Bello commended participants in the National Consumers Contest, describing them as future advocates of responsible consumption. “Consumer protection is not only about enforcement. It is also about education, awareness, critical thinking, and responsible engagement,” he said.
Nigeria has long struggled with the influx of substandard and counterfeit goods, particularly in food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and household items. Regulators have repeatedly pointed to porous borders, weak enforcement, and low compliance as key contributors to the problem.
The FCCPC’s renewed efforts signal a tougher regulatory stance, especially as the government seeks to strengthen market institutions under its broader economic reform agenda.
For both consumers and businesses, the commission’s message is clear: restoring trust in Nigeria’s markets requires stricter compliance, stronger enforcement, and more active participation from all stakeholders.
“Safe and reliable markets depend on responsible business conduct, effective regulation, and informed consumer participation. That standard must be upheld consistently,” Bello concluded.
The PUNCH