FCCPC shuts down 5 textile warehouses in Kano state over consumers exploitation, others
Omeiza Bilal
Operatives of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday shut down the warehouses of five textile distributors who engaged in unethical business practices, deceptive sale of underweight and shortened fabric materials to unsuspecting consumers in breach of the provisions of the FCCPA (2018) in Kano state.
In a press statement by Director, Corporate Affairs of FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu explained that the enforcement exercise by the Commission was led by its Director of Surveillance & Investigation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka who stated that section 123(1) of the FCCPA states that no retailer, trader or supplier shall, in the course of trade or for the purpose of promoting or marketing any goods, make any representation to a consumer in a manner that is false, misleading, erroneous, or deceptive in any way, including in respect of the quantity or price at which goods are supplied.
She said similarly, Section 125(1) prohibits any undertaking from engaging in conduct that directly or indirectly implies a false or misleading representation concerning a material fact to a consumer or prospective consumer.
The textile products involved in the sharp practices include LGR Product, U&Me Product, Nana Tex Product, V Levintus Product and Mama Africa Product, Hightex Product, UE Product, S-U Velt Product and Jisiki Product.
Investigations revealed that the products were imported, marketed, distributed, advertised and warehoused at Nos 238, 249, 313, 315, 413 and 428 Gandun Abada Layout; Nos 38 & 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; No 87 Bua Rice Mills Street; Links I, II & III Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road and No 287 Gandun Albasa New Layout in Kano city.
Speaking on the development, the EVC/CEO of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance for any practice that exploits Nigerian consumers or distorts market or threatens fair competition.
“By undermining honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards, this nefarious practice of selling underweight products can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” said the FCCPC boss.
He reassured the public that the Commission will continue to deploy lawful means to deter such exploitative conduct in all markets across Nigeria. Retailers, distributors, and suppliers across the country were reminded of their obligation under the law to provide goods that conform to declared descriptions, measurements, and standards.
He commended the diligence of the FCCPC team involved in operation led by Mrs. Adeyinka and also thanked the security agencies for their cooperation in the exercise.
