The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered a range of deceptive practices in major Lagos markets, including the re-bagging of expired rice as premium brands, under-weighing of produce, and the sale of counterfeit electronics labelled as “Tokunbo” (fairly used) goods.
These revelations came during an intensified Market Engagement Forum led by the commission in Lagos, aimed at promoting fair competition and consumer protection.
At Mile 12, Lagos’s largest food hub, FCCPC officials tackled issues such as tampered scales, repackaging of spoilt produce, and suspected price-fixing of essential food staples like rice, pepper, and yam.
Similarly, at Alaba International Market, the commission addressed the sale of counterfeit appliances, false warranty claims, and coordinated price-fixing of electronics such as televisions, generators, and phones.
“These are not minor issues. They affect household income, endanger consumer safety, and erode public trust,” said the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, represented by the Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, FCCPC, Mrs Bridget Etim.
“They violate key provisions of the FCCPA 2018, which prohibit deceptive practices and unfair pricing,” the FCCPC boss added.
He condemned such “wrong and illegal” practices, especially the re-bagging of expired rice at Daleko Market, warning that they pose serious risks to public health and damage the reputation of honest traders.
Bello reminded all businesses, regardless of size or location, that they are subject to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
While acknowledging the pressures traders face, including rising operational costs, Bello reiterated the FCCPC’s dual mandate: to protect consumers and amplify genuine business concerns to relevant authorities.
He called on traders to end artificial price inflation and ensure the authenticity and safety of goods sold.
He also stressed the need for collaboration with market leaders to establish standards of integrity, where fair competition can thrive and consumers can shop with confidence.
According to him, “such violations not only harm the integrity of the market but also disadvantage honest traders who adhere to ethical practices.”
Bello urged traders to embrace honesty and respect in their dealings, and to promptly address consumer complaints.
“FCCPC is optimistic that this renewed engagement will lead to a shared vision with market associations to eradicate all forms of abusive and deceptive practices,” he said.
Speaking at the forum in Mile 12, Alhaji Shehu Jibril, Chairman of the Mile 12 Market, said the safety of farmers is key to the nation’s food security.
“Farmer security is critical for national food security and for them to be able to cultivate and harvest without facing ransom threats,” he said.
He also called for the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks dedicated to transporting perishable items, noting that using trucks that also carry chemicals is unsafe.
Jibril lamented the excessive transport cost of over N150,000 from Kano to Lagos, largely due to multiple taxations.
He appealed for government grants to support struggling traders, especially in big markets like Mile 12, saying many lack capital to keep food supply chains moving.
At Alaba International Market, Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, Chairman of the Alaba International Amalgamated Council of Sections, expressed the market’s willingness to work with the FCCPC to promote honest trade and eliminate substandard goods.
Amajuoyi, who also heads the International Market Association Electronics, referenced previous collaborations with the FCCPC that yielded positive outcomes.
Also, the President-General of Alaba Council said traders in Alaba were now shifting focus to selling Nigerian-made brands.
“Most products here are indigenous. We are selling our own branded goods now,” he explained.
Amajuoyi denied claims of fake goods in the market.
“We are not selling fakes. Although, some of us stopped selling foreign products,” he added.
He assured the FCCPC of the market’s support in identifying culprits behind counterfeit sales.
“The executive will find and catch those selling bad products. Such illegal acts hurt Alaba’s name. We are ready to partner with you. We will help find those who subsidise originals,” he said.
