The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expressed renewed concern over the growing prevalence of unsafe and substandard products in Nigerian markets, cautioning that this trend is eroding consumer confidence and compromising the country’s economic integrity.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, issued the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during the observance of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards.
Addressing the theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” Bello emphasized that the increasing uncertainty surrounding product safety is already affecting market behavior and public 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, represented by FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Bola Adeyinka, revealed that the Commission continues to identify a wide array of products failing to meet fundamental safety and quality standards across multiple sectors.
He pointed out that these include improperly labelled goods, products not meeting essential safety requirements, and instances of misrepresentation by manufacturers and distributors.
He attributed the situation to weak internal controls, poor compliance culture, and, in certain cases, deliberate neglect of regulatory obligations.
Shifting focus from conventional consumer protection rhetoric, Bello connected product safety directly to broader economic stability and investor confidence, explaining that unsafe markets discourage participation, distort competition, and reduce economic efficiency.
“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.
He stressed that consumer protection is not just a regulatory function but a critical pillar of 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 will rigorously enforce compliance, highlighting that product safety is a legal obligation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018. He emphasized that when products pose risks, immediate corrective measures are required.
“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 has already intensified 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 stated that 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, focusing on information sharing, coordinated enforcement, and joint interventions to close 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,” Bello said.
Amid concerns about rising prices, Bello clarified that the FCCPC does not regulate prices but remains committed to addressing unfair practices.
“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.”
He urged manufacturers, importers, and service providers to prioritize 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 further encouraged consumers to play an 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 praised 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 faced challenges with substandard and counterfeit goods, especially in food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and household products. Porous borders, weak enforcement, and low compliance levels have been identified as key drivers.
The FCCPC’s renewed efforts signal a stricter regulatory stance as the government strengthens market institutions under its broader economic reform agenda.
For both consumers and businesses, the Commission’s message is clear: restoring trust in Nigeria’s markets requires stricter compliance, stronger enforcement, and 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.
