2026 World Consumer Rights Day: FCCPC Tasks Manufacturers, Others On Products Standard And Safety

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has called on manufacturers distributors and importers to always abide by the rules of standard and safety while carrying out their businesses on sales of products to Nigerian consumers.

The Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello made the call in Abuja during this year’s World Consumer Rights Day and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards with the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers”.

Mr Tunji Bello who was represented by the Director, Surveillance and Investigations in FCCPC, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka said the theme for this year’s celebration was choosen towards building consumer’s confidence in market places through safety and standards in products.

“We are gathered at a time when product safety has become central to market integrity, consumer confidence, and public welfare and 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” He stated.

According to him, 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 and 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” Mr Bello explained

In.his words ” This approach aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reform programme under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on strengthening market integrity, improving consumer confidence, and promoting a rules-based business environment”.

“Consumer protection is a key part of that effort. When markets are safe, reliable, and transparent, they support sustainable growth and give investors greater confidence to participate and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 provides a clear legal framework. 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 and these are not optional expectations. They are statutory duties. Non-compliance attracts regulatory consequences”.

He further stated that the Commission has expanded market surveillance and strengthened product testing in priority sectors and where conduct raises concerns about consumer safety, such matters are investigated and where breaches are established, appropriate enforcement action is taken in line with our mandate.

“We are also deepening coordination with sector regulators and the national standards body to address weaknesses that permit unsafe products to enter or remain in the market. This includes structured collaboration, information sharing, and joint interventions where necessary and as a way of ensuring the welfare of consumers in the marketplace, the Commission remains steadfast in its efforts to effectively monitor and enforce compliance across the market”. The FCCPC Boss stressed.

“Let me also restate a point that is often misunderstood. 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 and consumer protection is most effective when institutions work in concert. 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 association 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 media also remains an important partner in this work. Accurate and responsible reporting helps consumers make informed choices, draws attention to harmful practices, and supports public accountability. The Commission will continue to engage openly and constructively in that regard”.

“Today, we also recognise participants in the 9th National Young Consumers Contest. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to build consumer awareness from an early stage in the lives of our young people. The students we honour today remind us that consumer protection is not only about enforcement. It is also about education, awareness, critical thinking, and responsible engagement.
We commend these young participants for their effort and insight. We also acknowledge the support of their schools, teachers, and parents, whose guidance continues to shape informed and responsible future consumers”.

He advised Nigerian consumers to remain informed, vigilant, and engaged. Ask questions. Examine products before purchase and also to pay attention to labelling, quality, as well as safety information. Report concerns where they arise.

“Consumer protection is stronger when consumers are informed and active participants in the market. The Commission is committed to protecting your rights and advancing fairer market outcomes.
Safe and reliable markets depend on responsible business conduct, effective regulation, and informed consumer participation. That standard must be upheld consistently and it is my expectation that today’s celebration and the panel discussion will deepen our shared commitment to safer products, stronger consumer confidence, and a more accountable marketplace” He added

Stakeholders who spoke at the event commended FCCPC’s efforts towards safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers over the years.