Nigeria’s consumer protection agency has issued a stern warning to businesses, declaring that substandard and unsafe products will no longer be tolerated in the domestic market. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has committed to intensifying enforcement actions to safeguard consumers and ensure compliance with product safety standards.
The directive was delivered during the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day celebration in Abuja, an event held in conjunction with the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.” Speaking through the Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Boladale Adeyinka, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello highlighted the persistent appearance of hazardous or poorly labelled goods across various sectors. He attributed these lapses to weak compliance systems and, in some instances, deliberate regulatory violations.
Bello stressed that such practices endanger public health and undermine fair competition by penalising businesses that adhere to standards. “Product safety is not optional,” he stated, mandating the immediate recall of dangerous goods and clear public communication about risks. He confirmed that failure to comply will result in regulatory sanctions.
In response, the Commission is scaling up market surveillance and product testing initiatives. It is also deepening collaboration with key agencies including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to block unsafe products from entering or remaining in the Nigerian market. While the FCCPC does not set prices, its focus remains on enforcing transparency and combating deceptive trade practices that harm consumers.
Bello underscored the critical role of citizen vigilance, urging Nigerians to examine product labels, seek information, and report suspicious items. He cited educational programmes like the National Young Consumers Contest as part of a strategic effort to cultivate a more informed and responsible consumer population.
As Nigeria advances economic reforms aimed at diversification and growth, authorities emphasise that product safety, ethical commerce, and an engaged public are fundamental to building a trustworthy and resilient marketplace. The FCCPC’s escalated stance signals a shift towards stricter regulatory oversight, with the goal of aligning Nigeria’s consumer protection framework with international best practices.
