In its continuous determination to protect Nigerian consumers, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, on Tuesday held a market engagement forum in some major locations in Abuja, including Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji.
Addressing traders and market union leaders during the engagement forum in the four markets in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello said the event is part of the Commission’s ongoing national drive to directly connect with those who make Nigeria markets work.
Bello who was represented by the Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer in FCCPC, Mrs Bridget Etim, stated that the market engagement also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda which prioritizes economic reform, consumer empowerment and inclusive growth.
He restated the commitment of the Commission towards sanitizing Nigerian markets through effective regulations and called for the collaboration of the traders.
According to him, real protection comes from mutual understanding
Bello promised that FCCPC would continue to provide training and compliance support for traders and embark on education campaigns in major languages towards strengthening partnerships with market associations in the country.
“Markets like this are the heartbeat of our economy and this is where everyday Nigerians hustle, trade, provide for their families, and contribute to national economic growth and that is why the FCCPC is here, not in an office, not in a conference hall, but right here with you because this is where consumer protection must begin: on the ground, in the markets, among the people.
“This market engagement aligns squarely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic reform, consumer empowerment, and inclusive growth.
“By tackling unfair trade practices, promoting transparent market conduct, and safeguarding consumer rights, the FCCPC is reinforcing the administration’s commitment to restoring trust in public institutions, stimulating enterprise, and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach ordinary Nigerians.
“Our visit is not for show. We are here to educate, but also to collaborate, because real protection comes from mutual understanding, shared responsibility, and deliberate action.
“We also want to listen, learn, and act and simply put, the Commission’s mandate is to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure lawful, transparent, and responsible business conduct in Nigeria’s markets and this mandate guides all of our interventions; from consumer education to enforcement,” he said.
Bello said the FCCPC has already commenced surveillance and enforcement across several markets.
“Just two months ago, precisely in April 2025, the Commission’s operatives sealed several shops in Utako Market Abuja, after uncovering deceptive practices involving the rebagging of illicit rice as foreign brands and only last week, we inaugurated an inter-agency market monitoring Taskforce to combat counterfeits and ensure consumer safety and welfare in four key pilot markets within the FCT. These include Wuse Market, Market, Garki International Market, and Garki Modern Market.
“Nigeria cannot grow if her markets are broken. But when our markets are fair, competitive, and transparent, everybody wins; the buyer, the seller, and the economy.
“Let us build a marketplace where fairness is the standard, not the exception. A system that protects the honest, punishes the dishonest, and rewards integrity,” he added
Speaking on behalf of the Traders, the Chairman, Kwali Market Association, Alhaji Sani Ibrahim, commended FCCPC for the forum and appealed to the Commission to always carry the traders along in its activities.
ENDS