The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised fresh concerns over the rising circulation of unsafe and substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning that the trend is undermining consumer confidence and weakening the country’s economic integrity.
Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the FCCPC, sounded the alarm on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards. The theme for this year’s event was “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”
Bello noted that uncertainty around product safety is already affecting market behaviour and public trust.
“Where safety is uncertain, confidence declines. And where confidence declines, markets become weaker, less efficient, and less trustworthy,” he said.
Represented by Bola Adeyinka, FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Bello highlighted that many products across sectors continue to fall short of basic safety and quality standards. These include improperly labelled goods and products that fail essential safety requirements, sometimes involving deliberate misrepresentation by manufacturers and distributors.
He attributed the situation to weak internal controls, poor compliance culture, and in some cases, deliberate disregard for regulatory obligations.
“Consumers are exposed to avoidable risks, trust in the market is weakened, and law-abiding businesses are placed at a disadvantage. Product safety cannot be treated as a secondary matter. It is a core obligation with clear public interest consequences,” Bello said.
Linking product safety to broader economic stability, he warned that unsafe markets distort competition, discourage investment, and weaken economic efficiency.
“When markets are safe, reliable, and transparent, they support sustainable growth and give investors greater confidence to participate,” he added.
Bello stressed that compliance is mandatory under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
“Consumers are entitled to goods that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose. Businesses must ensure products meet these standards. Where risks are identified, prompt corrective action, including withdrawal or recall, is required,” he said.
The FCCPC boss said the Commission has expanded market surveillance, strengthened product testing, and intensified collaboration with regulatory bodies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to close regulatory gaps.
Bello also urged manufacturers, importers, and service providers to prioritise product safety at every stage of operations—from sourcing to retail—and called on consumers to stay vigilant and informed.
“Examine products before purchase, pay attention to labelling, quality, and safety information. Report concerns where they arise,” he said.
He commended participants in the National Consumers Contest, describing them as future advocates of responsible consumption.
Nigeria has long struggled with substandard and counterfeit goods, particularly in food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and household products, driven by porous borders, weak enforcement, and low compliance levels.
The FCCPC’s renewed push signals a tougher regulatory stance as the government strengthens market institutions under its broader economic reform agenda.
“Safe and reliable markets depend on responsible business conduct, effective regulation, and informed consumer participation. That standard must be upheld consistently,” Bello concluded.
