The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has raised fresh concerns over the increasing circulation of unsafe and substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning that the trend is undermining consumer confidence and weakening the country’s economic integrity.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, sounded the alarm on Wednesday in Abuja at 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 growing uncertainty around product safety is already affecting market behaviour and trust.

“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 has continued to encounter a wide range of products that fail to meet basic safety and quality standards across multiple sectors.

According to him, these include improperly labelled goods, products that fall short of essential safety requirements, and cases of misrepresentation by manufacturers and distributors.

He attributed the situation to weak internal controls, poor compliance culture and, in some instances, deliberate disregard for regulatory obligations.

In a shift from traditional consumer protection rhetoric, the FCCPC boss linked product safety directly to broader economic stability and investor confidence.

He explained that unsafe markets discourage participation, distort competition, and ultimately weaken the efficiency of the economy.

“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.

According to him, consumer protection is not merely a regulatory function but a critical 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 not hesitate to enforce compliance, stressing that product safety is a legal obligation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

He added that where products pose risks, the law mandates immediate corrective action, noting “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,” Bello said.

The FCCPC, he noted, has already expanded its 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,” he added.

To address systemic lapses, Bello said the Commission is deepening collaboration with other regulatory bodies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

He explained that the partnerships focus on information sharing, coordinated enforcement and joint interventions aimed at closing 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 of these institutions or trade associations 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, the FCCPC boss said.

Amid growing public concerns over rising prices, Bello clarified that the FCCPC does not regulate prices but remains committed to tackling unfair practices.

He said, “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.”

The FCCPC boss urged manufacturers, importers and service providers to prioritise product safety at every stage of their 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 importance 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 battled the influx of substandard and counterfeit goods, particularly in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, electronics and household products.

Regulators have repeatedly flagged porous borders, weak enforcement and low compliance levels as key drivers of the problem.

The FCCPC’s renewed push signals a tougher regulatory stance, especially as the government seeks to strengthen market institutions under its broader economic reform agenda.

For consumers and businesses alike, the message from the Commission is clear: restoring trust in Nigeria’s markets will require 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)

Update news