The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered a deceitful syndicate operating in Garki Modern Market, Abuja, involving false claims about the weight of rice bags. Adamu Abdullahi, the acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, revealed this disturbing discovery in a statement released on Thursday following a consumer protection operation.
During the operation, it was found that certain bags of rice labeled as 25kg and 50kg did not actually weigh as advertised. This deceptive practice by rice retailers and sellers was described by the commission as exploitative and misleading to consumers.
“The purpose of the operation was to verify the accuracy of weight claims on 25kg and 50kg rice bags. Our investigation uncovered discrepancies between the stated weight and the actual content of the bags. Such fraudulent practices violate the FCCPA and harm consumers through deceptive means,” Abdullahi stated.
As a result, the FCCPC has summoned the individuals involved to appear before the Commission and provide a written commitment to cease these deceptive practices. A Mutual Supervisory Understanding (MSU) will also be implemented to ensure compliance with the regulations.
With the festive season approaching, the FCCPC advises consumers to demand full value for their money and to verify the weight of rice packages to ensure they align with the stated claims. Any inconsistencies should be reported through the complaint section on the Commission’s website.
Under Section 125 of the FCCPA, businesses are prohibited from making false or deceptive representations about essential facts to consumers. Section 138 holds manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliers accountable for breaching implied legal obligations, including product claims.
The FCCPC remains dedicated to protecting consumer rights and will continue to uphold fairness in the marketplace. This crackdown on deceptive practices comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with soaring inflation rates, particularly in the food sector where 50kg and 25kg bags of rice are being sold at exorbitant prices in some markets.
