The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched the Joint Market Monitoring Taskforce (JMMT) in Abuja to tackle the widespread presence of counterfeit, substandard, and dangerous goods in Nigerian markets. This marks the beginning of a national drive to safeguard consumer welfare and promote fair competition in the face of mounting economic pressure.
At the inauguration, the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, represented by the Director of Surveillance and Investigations, said the taskforce underscores the Commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from harmful products and ensuring that businesses operate on a level playing field. She highlighted that with the country’s ongoing economic difficulties, it is now more important than ever for consumers to receive value for their money.
She cited the persistent threat of counterfeit and substandard goods in Nigerian markets, warning that many of these items pose serious health and safety risks. Section 17 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), she noted, empowers the Commission to act against unsafe products and market practices that deceive or exploit consumers and undermine the economy.
The Commission stressed that collaboration is central to the success of this initiative. Effective monitoring, it said, depends not only on regulators but also on the cooperation of market executives and union leaders. This coordinated effort is intended to ensure Nigerian markets operate in a way that benefits all stakeholders.
The first phase of the taskforce will focus on four key markets in the Federal Capital Territory: Wuse Market, Utako Market, Garki International Market, and Garki Modern Market.
The taskforce has been mandated to gather intelligence on misleading business practices, conduct both covert and open surveillance and inspections, and verify product compliance with consumer protection laws. It will monitor market trends to detect breaches of the FCCPA and identify any exploitative or deceptive actions by businesses, individuals, or trade groups.
Where necessary, the taskforce will remove or seize substandard or hazardous products, and can seal outlets that fail to meet safety and quality standards. It also holds the authority to summon offenders to appear before the Commission, submit evidence, or produce documents.
The Commission has called on the public to support its efforts by reporting violations through its official email, hotlines, online portal, or social media platforms.
