The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to traders in Lagos State, to always respect and acknowledge any letter or summon by government agencies or risk the full weight of the law.
The warning was given by the South West Zonal Coordinator of FCCPC, Dr. Olubunmi Otti, while sealing a solar company known as CASCO ELECTRONIC. LTD at the Alaba International Market, along Lagos-Badagry Express way, for the sale of a defective solar battery paid for in February 2025.
According to Dr. Otti, the Commission initiated an investigation and subsequently invited the respondent to appear before it, but the company failed to honour all invitations sent by the Commission.
” Don’t ignore any letter from Federal Government, especially when you have a business in Nigeria, when you receive FCCPC letter against you, just appear before the commission. FCCPC is not against any business in Nigeria but we want you to do your business in a most ethical way where consumers will be satisfied and you too will thrive in what you do”
Dr. Otti who said the enforcement action forms part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers in the country, stressed that the action is not punitive but rather protective and corrective.
While calling on consumers to always exercise due diligence in all transactions and verify any business thoroughly before committing their money, appeal to traders to stay off unsafe and substandard products.
” FCCPC this afternoon has today proceeded to seal these premises. The commission want to use this opportunity to advice every consumers, please whenever you want to buy any product, think thoroughly ensure you buy from a reputable organisation or outlet, ensure you collect your receipt and ensure you follow due process before you commit your money”.
Speaking, the President, Industrial dealers Association, Mr. Okpara Uchenna, who maintained that their first call is to put the consumers first, said government has the right to carry out their duties when anyone is found wanting.
” We cannot stop them from carrying out their duty because I know it has to do with protecting the consumer, so that the consumer will feel protected. Alaba is not known for some of these things, the company is a reputable one but I just believe they have one or two issues, the only problem is that he has refused to come and answer the FCCPC “.
On his part, the General Manager of the company, Mr. Tochuchwu Samson, who claimed to have not received any notice from the commission, the action came as a surprise to him.
Mr. Samson who appeal for the matter to be resolved at a round table, promised to comply and keep up to his own side of agreement.
” I did not receive several letters they claim to serve me, if I see any letter, I’m seriously law abiding citizen, if I see any letter, I will comply, I know what letter is all about and I am seeing this as an embarrassment to the company”.
Meanwhile, armed security men were present at the site of the sealing.
Reporting By Eunice Olile