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Tag: FCCPC

  • Rising Food cost: FCCPC begins price enforcement in markets

    Rising Food cost: FCCPC begins price enforcement in markets

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has launched a campaign to enforce price display and quantity compliance at supermarkets throughout Abuja.

    According to the commission the campaign will be taken to markets out the FCT in no distant time.

    However, the Commission started this at 4U Supermarket, Wuse 2 Abuja on Thursday.

    This move, it said, is a direct response to concerns raised by consumers about the rising costs of goods, which go against the recent strengthening of the naira.

    The Commission said price discrepancies remain a significant issue.

    It stressed that consumers have the right to be informed of the prices of items they intend to purchase.

  • FCCPC vows to monitor, investigate abnormal increases in the prices of goods and services

    FCCPC vows to monitor, investigate abnormal increases in the prices of goods and services

     

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has committed to monitoring and probing abnormal increases in the prices of goods and services.

    Ag. Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi in a statement issued on Wednesday said it was unacceptable that despite the recent appreciation of the Naira against the Dollar, consumers continue to face escalating costs without a corresponding decrease in prices.

    It added that while it cannot directly regulate prices, the Commission would utilise its existing legal framework to enforce fair competition and consumer protection provisions.

    It said: “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is aware of the concerns expressed by Nigerians regarding the continued rise in prices of goods and services.

    “Despite the recent appreciation of the Naira against the dollar, consumers continue to face escalating costs without a corresponding decrease in prices.

    “This situation is unacceptable, and the FCCPC is committed to protecting consumers from exploitation.

    “The FCCPC understands the significant financial strain these rising prices are placing on Nigerian households. As a result, the Commission is taking proactive steps to address this issue.”

     

  • FG moves to tackle astronomical rise in food prices

    FG moves to tackle astronomical rise in food prices

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has revealed plans to intensify monitoring and enforcement in formal and informal markets to ensure that business owners do not unfairly inflate prices.

    Dr Adamu Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, was reacting to complaints by consumers that in spite of the appreciation of the Naira against the dollar, prices of goods were still increasing.

    Abdullahi said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, that the situation was unacceptable, and the Commission was committed to protecting consumers from exploitation.

    He said that the operatives of FCCPC would work with trade associations, farmer groups, and other stakeholders to combat price-fixing, and dismantle cartels.

    This, according to Abdullahi, will encourage increased competition and ultimately lead to lower prices for consumers.

    ”The FCCPC understands the significant financial strain these rising prices are placing on Nigerian households. As a result, the Commission is taking proactive steps to addressing this issue.

    ”While the FCCPC cannot directly regulate prices, the Commission will utilise its existing legal framework to enforce fair competition and consumer protection provisions.

    ”This includes monitoring and investigating unusual price hikes, addressing complaints filed by consumers, and taking action against any businesses found to be engaging in anti-competitive practices such as price-fixing, price gouging or cartel formation.

    ”The Commission remains committed to educating consumers about their rights and empowering them to make informed choices.

    ”We will engage in advocacy and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about price gouging and other unfair trade practices and provide guidance on how to identify and report such practices.

    ”We will collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies to develop a comprehensive and coordinated response to anti-competitive practices, price gouging, and other consumer protection issues,” he said.

    He encouraged consumers to continue to report suspected price gouging and other unfair trade practices through contact@fccpc.gov.ng.

    ”Together, we can work towards a more stable, fair, and competitive marketplace for all Nigerians.”

  • Hike in price of ‘pure water’ unacceptable – FCCPC

    Hike in price of ‘pure water’ unacceptable – FCCPC

    Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has described the astronomical increase in the price of sachet water as unacceptable.

    Acting Executive Vice-Chairman of FCCPC, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, stated this at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Consumer Rights Day in Abuja on Friday.

    The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Fair and Responsible Al for Consumers.’’

    According to Abdullahi, the astronomical increase in the price of sachet water by various associations is unacceptable and unfair to the consumers.

    He said that there was no reason whatsoever for the increase in the price of sachet water because most of the producers already had their machines.

    ”Yes, power, fuel, price of nylon had increased, but that cannot explain the cause for the astronomical rise in price.

    ”What we have discovered is that most products now have associations, even the sachet water producers.

    ”When you have your eggs that you brought from your farm to sell at Wuse market, the association of egg sellers will tell you that you have to sell to them at cheaper rates, while they resell to consumers at higher prices.

    ”This has now resulted in emergence of `cartels’ and cartels, anywhere in the world, are not acceptable.

    ”Our Act is against price fixing and it is not acceptable to us. We will find out these cartels and do something about their activities.

    ”The Consumers International joined the efforts that gave us the inkling of how prices have rolled in Nigeria in the last three months and it is so surprising and unacceptable.

    ”It is simply the issue of cartel and we have to break in, find out what is going on and dissolve such cartels. But, the consumers are the ones who will lodge the complaint to us before we go and find out,” he said.

    The acting executive vice-chairman said although the commission was not a price control agency, it was deeply committed to addressing the rapid rise in food prices which was affecting consumers.

    ”The surge in food prices can be attributed to various factors, including market cartels, price fixing, hoarding and gouging or lack of transparency in pricing.

    ”FCCPC is actively engaged in combating these challenges to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers’ interests,” he said.

    On consumers’ extortion and deceptive pricing that led to the sealing of the headquarters of a popular supermarket in Abuja recently by the commission, he said that the supermarket had complied with 90 per cent of their guidelines.

    Abdullahi assured that the commission would continue to monitor supermarkets to ensure effective consumer protection.

  • FCCPC reopens Sahad supermarket previously sealed for extorting customers

    FCCPC reopens Sahad supermarket previously sealed for extorting customers

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has reopened the head office of Sahad supermarket previously sealed for customers extortion and lack of transparency in prices fixing.

    The Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    Abdullahi said the reopening followed a mutual understanding and commitment from the store to implement transparent pricing practices.

    He said the Commission was aware that similar practices might be happening at other Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) outlets nationwide.

    Abdullahi advised supermarkets or outlets engaging in customers extortion to desist from such practices immediately to avoid consequences.

    ”Businesses are expected to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, especially during challenging economic times.

    ”The FCCPC remains committed to combating all forms of exploitative or misleading practices that undermine consumer rights.

    ”The FCCPA protects consumer rights and prohibits deceptive business practices.

    ”Section 115 outlines potential penalties for violations, including fines for organisations and imprisonment for directors.

    ”The FCCPC encourages all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment,” the acting executive vice chairman said.

    The Commission had on Friday sealed the supermarket for customers extortion and lack of transparency in prices.

  • FCCPC seals Sahad supermarket in Abuja

    FCCPC seals Sahad supermarket in Abuja

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has sealed off the head office of Sahad supermarket/stores over customers extortion and lack of transparency in prices.

    Dr Adamu Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, while sealing off the premises in Abuja on Friday, said the act was an obnoxious practice which amounted to violation of rights under the FCCPAct.

    He said the practice contravened Section 155 (3) of the FCCPA and the fine amounted to N100 million or more.

    ”What we have found out that they are doing is misleading pricing and lack of transparency in their pricing which is against section 155 (3) of the FCCPAct.

    ”It is an obnoxious practice and amounts to violation of rights under the FCCPA.

    ”Section 155 of FCCPA states that any corporate person that contravenes this law is liable to a fine of N100 million or even more.

    ”We found out that they are contravening this law and made sure that we came to tell them that our mandate is very clear.

    ”What we have come here today to do is to make sure that they complied with the law.

    ”We called them to defend themselves but they failed to show up and in the long run, they sent a lawyer and the lawyer is not familiar with the case but we requested for names of people that we wanted to come and defend them.

    ”Those people refused to come and these are the people in charge of retail, fix prices on the computer system and shelves.

    ”We do not have a choice than to seal off the premises until they comply with the provisions of the law,” Abdullahi said.

    He said that the Commission would continue to protect the citizens in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda.

    The acting executive vice chairman said the Commission would continue to monitor the supermarket to make sure they complied with the law.

    Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, the Director Surveillance and Investigations Department of FCCPC, said that price tags on products on the shelves of the supermarket were different from prices at the pay point computers.

    Adeyinka said that even the same products and brand had different prices.

    ”The same products, the same brand has different prices. One is N5,000 while one is N6,000.

    ”Imagine if you buy 10 pairs, that means you have been short-changed by N10,000.

    ”In this period, we want people to have maximum value for their money,” she said.

    Mr Salisu Zango, an official of Sahad Supermarket, admitted that the store had engaged in the practice but had since made amends.

    ”We have corrected it,” he said.

    The supermarket premises was sealed off to avoid customers’ access.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu fires two CEOs

    BREAKING: Tinubu fires two CEOs

    President Bola Tinubu has fired two (2) Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the two CEOs fired by President Tinubu are Mr. Babatunde Irukera of the FCCPC and Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh of the BPE.

    According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, the dismissal of Irukera and Okoh is with immediate effect.

    Ngelale stated that their dismissal was in conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the federal government for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy.

    The statement reads: “In conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the following Chief Executive Officers:

    “Mr. Babatunde Irukera — EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh — Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)

    “The two dismissed Chief Executives are directed to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers.

    “By this directive of the President, their removal from office takes immediate effect”.

  • FCCPC slams BAT $110m fine over multiple violation of tobacco law

    FCCPC slams BAT $110m fine over multiple violation of tobacco law

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has slammed a fine of $110 million on British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria and affiliate companies for multiple violation of the FCCP Act and others.

    A statement by the management of the commission in Abuja on Wednesday, said the companies also infringed on the National Tobacco Control Act and sundry legal instruments.

    The commission said the amount was agreed after a mutual engagement between the Commission and BAT parties under the FCCPC’s Cooperation/Assistance Rules & Procedure (CARP), 2021.

    FCCPC said its Cooperation/Assistance Framework (CAF) provided for benefits such as possible reduced monetary penalties and waiver of the application of the Commission’s Administrative Penalties Regulations 2020, among others.

    The Commission said the BAT parties’ would also be subject to a compliance and monitoring under the supervision of the FCCPC for 24 months to ensure appropriate behavioral and business practices.

    FCCPC said that a mandatory public health and tobacco control advocacy would be done by the companies in a manner compliant with tobacco control legislation and regulations as part of the agreement.

    ”BAT parties shall provide written assurances to the Commission pursuant to Section 153 of the FCCPA as required.

    ”In exchange for BAT parties fulfilling their obligations under the Consent Order, the Commission withdrew pending criminal charges against BATN and one employee for attempting to prevent execution of the search warrant and initial lack of cooperation/compliance with steps in the investigation.

    ”The Commission on August 28, 2020, opened an active investigation with respect to British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited and other affiliated companies (BAT Parties).

    ”The commencement of the investigation was based on the Commission’s satisfaction that a series of credible pieces of information and intelligence were actionable enough for broader and deeper inquiry.

    ”Upon satisfying the Federal High Court that there was probable cause and sufficient evidence to exercise advanced statutory regulatory/investigatory tools, the court issued an Order and Warrant of Search and Seizure.

    ”The Commission on Jan. 25, 2021 executed simultaneous and contemporaneous searches and seizures at multiple BAT parties locations and a location of a service provider.

    ”The Commission gathered, received and procured substantial evidence from forensic analysis of electronic communications and other information/data obtained during the search, as well as other evidence procured during, and after the search from other legitimate sources.

    ”Additional investigation, including proffers, hearings, transcripts of sworn testimonies, and continuing analysis of evidence established and supported multiple violations of the FCCPA and other enactments,” the Commission said.

    The Commission reiterated its commitment to its mandate to promote and ensure fair markets and protect consumer interests.

    According to it, the outcome of the investigation demonstrates that commitment and the Commission’s desire as well as will to enforce the law and hold businesses accountable; even when it takes complex, painstaking, and protracted investigations.

  • FCT ‘one chance’ victim: FCCPC opens investigation over alleged healthcare neglect

    FCT ‘one chance’ victim: FCCPC opens investigation over alleged healthcare neglect

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has opened investigation into an alleged healthcare neglect by Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, which led to the death of one Ms Greatness Olorunfemi.

    FCCPC, in a statement by its Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Babatunde Irukera, on Saturday, said the investigation was to find out if  Olorunfemi’s death was on account of failure implicated in the commission’s Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR).

    Irukera said the investigation was also to know other enforceable legal instruments regarding attention and care to patients generally, especially in emergency situations where victims of criminal conduct required medical attention.

    He said the commission welcomed the statement of the Office of FCT Secretary for Health Services and Environment, announcing a transparent broad investigation including a Coroner’s Inquest into the matter.

    ”FCCPC commiserates with Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi’s family, friends and associates who are affected by this tragic loss.

    ”There are disputed accounts of whether she received appropriate care, or delay pending production of a police report, or was brought in Dead on Arrival (DoA).

    The commission has opened an investigation accordingly.

    ”Particular concern is if Olorunfemi died on account of failures implicated in the commission’s Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR) or other enforceable legal instruments regarding attention and care to patients generally.

    ”More specifically, in emergency situations where victims of criminal conduct require attention.

    ”Considering the facility concerned is a government institution and the commission’s determination to progress a limited inquiry into the consumer protection aspects of the events, the commission immediately engaged relevant stakeholders,”he said.

    The executive vice chairman said the commission was looking forward to participating, supporting and collaborating with the FCT administration in the investigation.

    Olorunfemi was reportedly thrown from a moving vehicle along the Maitama-Kubwa highway.

    She was said to be a member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network.

    Moyosoluwa Oladayo, the YALI Network Abuja coordinator, said the deceased died due to delay by healthcare workers at the Maitama District Hospital.

    “There is a viral video of her when she was thrown out of the vehicle.

    She was unconscious and was reportedly taken to Maitama District Hospital where they kept asking for a Police report till she gave up twenty minutes later,” she said.

  • FCCPC summons Erisco Foods over alleged consumer arrest

    FCCPC summons Erisco Foods over alleged consumer arrest

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has summoned Erisco Foods Limited for allegedly arresting a dissatisfied consumer for her negative review of one of their products.

    According to reports, one Chioma Egodi Jnr. on Sept. 17, expressed her dissatisfaction on Facebook after using Nagiko Tomato Mix, one of the company’s products.

    FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Babatunde Irukera, said on his X(Twitter handle) on Tuesday, that the Commission’s operatives had confirmed the arrest of the consumer.

    Irukera said the summon on Erisco Foods Ltd. was to secure an explanation from the company.

    According to him, summons are being issued to Erisco Foods Limited immediately.

    ”This is to ensure that businesses are not engaging in conduct that creates a chilling effect on legitimate citizens expressions.

    ”Indeed, the author of a public statement owes a certain level of obligation for the truth and veracity of their statements.

    ”There are legally accepted thresholds for fairness and fair speech which are constitutionally protected.

    ”Erisco Foods’ prerogative to refute a claim such as this is inviolate.

    ”And where they consider a statement sufficiently outrageous and a violation of law or their rights, bringing it to the attention of a ‘relevant authority’ is permissible.

    ”Erisco however should not seek or facilitate the arrest of a citizen for statements they consider prejudicial,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Erisco Foods Ltd. in a statement said they would take all necessary actions against any malicious attack on their reputation.

    The company described the claim as untrue and unfounded in its entirety.