The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has shut down the warehouses of five textile distributors for engaging in unethical and deceptive business practices in Kano,
The operation, led by Boladale Adeyinka, the FCCPC Director of Surveillance & Investigation, followed weeks of surveillance that established the prevalence of distributors and retailers selling fabric materials significantly below the standard length or measurement indicated, while still charging consumers the full price.
The FCCPC stated that these actions constitute a clear breach of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
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Specifically, the distributors violated Section 123(1), which prohibits retailers or suppliers from making representations to consumers that are false, misleading, erroneous, or deceptive in any way, including with respect to the quantity or price of goods.
They also breached Section 125(1), which forbids undertakings from engaging in conduct that directly or indirectly conveys a false or misleading representation concerning a material fact to a consumer.
The textile products involved in the sharp practices included LGR Product, U&Me Product, Nana Tex Product, V Levintus Product, Mama Africa Product, Hightex Product, UE Product, S-U Velt Product, and Jisiki Product.
The warehouses and distribution points affected by the shutdown were located at multiple addresses across Kano city, including Gandun Abada Layout, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Bua Rice Mills Street, Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road, and Gandun Albasa New Layout.
Commenting on the action, Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the FCCPC, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against any practice that exploits Nigerian consumers or undermines fair competition.
“By undermining honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards, this nefarious practice of selling underweight products can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” Bello said.
He reassured the public that the Commission will continue to utilise lawful means to deter such exploitative conduct nationwide.
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The FCCPC boss also took the opportunity to remind all retailers, distributors, and suppliers of their legal obligation to provide goods that conform to their declared descriptions, measurements, and standards.
The EVC/CEO commended Adeyinka’s surveillance team and acknowledged the cooperation of security agencies in the exercise.
