The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said it has received reports of Fast Consumer Moving Goods (FCMG) outlets who are swindling customers through misleading pricing practices as was recently discovered in Sahad Stores, a popular supermarket in Abuja.

The Commission advised such business outlets to cease from such practices immediately to avoid consequences that could affect their reputations and credibility.

Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, in a statement, at the weekend, confirmed that the Commission is aware of such activities, and would take necessary actions against such outlets in line with its operational laws.

Business outlets are expected to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, especially during these challenging economic times. Otherwise is unacceptable to the Commission.

The FCCPC remains committed to combating all forms of exploitative or misleading practices that undermine consumer rights. FCCPA protects consumer rights and prohibits deceptive business practices, while Section 115 of its Act outlined potential penalties for violations, including fines for organisations and imprisonment for Directors.

Its important that all business outlets adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment, he said.

Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, in the statement, also confirmed that Sahad Stores in Abuja has been unsealed following a mutual understanding and commitment from the management of the Store to implement transparent pricing practices as requested by FCCPC.

He recalled that FCCPC conducted an on-the-spot check on a FMCG Store in Abuja on Friday, leading to the temporary closure of the Store due to continued violations involving misleading pricing and lack of transparency.

On January 8th, 2024, the FCCPC investigated the FMCG store following reports of misleading pricing practices. The investigation revealed that the store displayed lower prices on shelves and charged higher prices at checkout. This contravenes Section 115 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

The investigation included all branches of the Store in Abuja to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue and implement corrective measures across the entire chain.

The FCCPC promptly issued a summons to specific staff of the FCMG store, asking them to appear on February 12, 2024, to discuss corrective measures. However, the staff failed to appear without justification, raising concerns about potential violations under Section 33(3) of the FCCPA.

Consequently, on February 16, 2024, FCCPC operatives visited the FCMG store and confirmed through random checks that the deceptive practice did not only continue, but cashiers also charged prices at their discretion, leaving unsuspecting customers vulnerable to unfair pricing.

Exercising its authority under Section 18(f), the Commission temporarily sealed the premises to allow the Store the time and opportunity to re-adjust their pricing system, he added.(Daily Sun)