By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised concerns over the rising circulation of unsafe and counterfeit products in Nigeria, warning that the trend threatens consumer confidence and economic stability.
The warning was issued on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Abuja during the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards, where the agency highlighted growing risks posed by substandard goods across Nigerian markets.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the agency has increasingly discovered poorly labelled goods, substandard items and misleading product claims across multiple sectors.
According to him, these unsafe products are being sold in markets nationwide, exposing consumers to avoidable risks and undermining fair competition among businesses.
Bello, represented by the FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Bola Adeyinka, explained that the problem is driven by weak internal control systems within companies, poor compliance with regulatory standards and, in some cases, deliberate disregard for safety regulations by manufacturers and distributors.
He stressed that unsafe products weaken market integrity and erode consumer trust in Nigeria’s economy.
The FCCPC boss also warned businesses that product safety is a legal obligation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, adding that companies must ensure their goods meet safety and quality standards before reaching consumers.
Where risks are detected, he said the law requires immediate corrective actions such as product withdrawals, recalls and public notices to protect consumers.
To address the growing challenge of counterfeit and substandard goods in Nigeria, Bello said the commission is strengthening collaboration with key regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
The partnerships focus on coordinated enforcement, information sharing and joint market surveillance to close regulatory gaps.
He also clarified that the FCCPC does not regulate product prices but will continue to act against unfair practices that harm consumers or distort competition in the market.
Bello urged manufacturers, importers and retailers to prioritise product safety throughout production and distribution processes.
He also encouraged Nigerian consumers to remain vigilant by checking product labels, verifying safety information and reporting suspicious or unsafe goods to authorities.
