FCCPC warns manufacturers over unsafe products, says violations will attract sanctions

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned manufacturers and distributors against circulating unsafe products, saying violations will attract regulatory sanctions.

Tunji Bello, executive vice-chairman of the commission, spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day and the ninth national consumers contest awards.

Bello, represented by Boladale Adeyinka director of surveillance and investigation, said the commission continues to encounter products that fail to meet basic safety and quality standards across several sectors.

“Across several sectors, the commission continues to encounter products that do not meet basic safety and quality standards,” he said.

“These include improperly labelled goods, products that fall short of essential safety requirements, and in some cases, conduct that raises concerns about misrepresentation.”

Bello said such failures expose consumers to risks, weaken trust in the market, and create unfair competition for compliant businesses.

According to the EVC, product safety must not be treated as secondary, noting that it is a core obligation with significant public interest implications.

He said the commission has expanded market surveillance and strengthened product testing in priority sectors to address the challenge.

“Where conduct raises concerns about consumer safety, such matters are investigated. Where breaches are established, appropriate enforcement action is taken in line with our mandate,” he said.

The FCCPC boss added that the commission is working with other regulators to curb the circulation of unsafe products in the market.

“We are also deepening coordination with sector regulators and the national standards body to address weaknesses that permit unsafe products to enter or remain in the market,” he said.

Bello reiterated that compliance with safety standards is a legal requirement under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

“These are not optional expectations. They are statutory duties. Non-compliance attracts regulatory consequences,” he said.

The EVC also clarified that while the commission does not fix prices, it would act where market conduct undermines fairness and transparency.

“The commission does not control prices. However, fair pricing is an essential part of a well-functioning market. We will continue to act where conduct undermines fairness, transparency or safety,” he said.

Bello urged manufacturers, importers, and service providers to prioritise safety at every stage of production and distribution.

“Product safety must be built into every stage of your operations, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail,” he said.

“Failure to act responsibly will attract regulatory response.”

The EVC also called on consumers to remain vigilant and report unsafe products, noting that effective consumer protection depends on informed public participation.

The event also featured participation from key stakeholders, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).