The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has organised a sensitisation engagement for traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders in Bauchi on the rights of Consumers and preventing market monopolies.
The Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Adamu Abdullahi who spoke while interacting with traditional leaders at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Wednesday, said that the commission has been conducting advocacy and public awareness initiatives concerning price gouging and other unjust trade practices in Nigeria markets
He said that the commission was committed towards ensuring that consumers in the country get value for their money by monitoring the price hike in Nigeria markets to protect them from being exploited by business owners.
The chairman said the commission will continue to ensure the development and promotion of fair, efficient and competitive markets in the Nigerian economy to facilitate access by all citizens to safe products and secure the protection of rights for all consumers in the country.
According to him, the commission is in the state to sensitize relevant stakeholders on their rights and helping them to recognize fake products and where to report their complains.
“Are you aware that as a consumer, you have the right to demand a refund, replacement or repair if a product you purchased fails to meet standard? Many of us have been left frustrated and feeling helpless when a product doesn’t live up to its promise. When you insist on your warranty rights and you are told to go to hell, don’t bother,go to FCCPC. We are changing that narrative”,he explained.
He also said that the commission would advise the government to open its borders in order to improve the importation of food, which would help stabilize prices in the market, adding that as a mediator, the agency ensures that substandard products are either repaired, replaced, or the consumer’s money is refunded.
” Consumers continue to face escalating costs of prices of commodities in Nigeria markets due to the recent appreciation of the naira against the dollar.Such a situation is not acceptable”
“The FCCPC remains committed to promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and fostering a regulated marketplace. We want to help citizens’ vigilance and encourage active participation in reporting any violations.” he said
In his response, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, represented by the District Head of Lame, Alh Aliyu Lame, expressed concern over the hike in prices in formal and informal markets, particularly the hike in food items who he noted was causing hardship to citizens.
He assured the readiness of the traditional institution in enlightening the public on the activities of the commission to ensure the sensitization reaches the target audience.
Some other participants included District Heads under the Bauchi Emirate, the Bauchi CAN chairman Abraham Damina, and the former Secretary of the Bauchi State Shari’a Commission, Ustaz Tijjani Sa’id promised to sensitize their people on the activities of the commission. END
