The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has officially inaugurated a Joint Market Monitoring Taskforce (JMMT) at a ceremony at its Abuja Headquarters on June 11, 2025
This is to combat the proliferation of unsafe, counterfeit, and substandard products in Nigerian markets.
The event marks the commencement of Phase 1 of the initiative, which will pilot in four key markets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Wuse Market, Utako Market, Garki International Market, and Garki Modern Market.
Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigation, presided over the inauguration on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello.
In his address delivered by Mrs. Adeyinka, the Executive vice Chairman reiterated the Commission’s unwavering resolve to safeguard Nigerian consumers from hazardous products, deceptive marketing, and exploitative practices.
“This event, again, underscores FCCPC’s commitment and resolve to protect Nigerian consumers from harmful and unsafe products and also to promote business competitiveness in the Nigerian market,” the EVC noted.
He further stated that “At a time when both consumers and businesses are experiencing economic challenges, getting value for money expended on products has become very imperative.”
The JMMT initiative is established under Sections 17(m), (l), (g), (p), (r), (s), and (t) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which empower the Commission to:
- Detect and remove hazardous or substandard products from the marketplace.
- Eliminate deceptive, misleading, and unethical marketing and trading practices.
- Prevent and penalise anti-competitive conduct that undermines fair market dynamics.
The JMMT brings together FCCPC officials and market union executives in a coordinated enforcement effort. Each selected market has nominated representatives who will work with Commission’s personnel to conduct product inspections, gather intelligence, and monitor marketplace compliance.
During the interactive session, market leaders called for ongoing education and awareness campaigns to support voluntary compliance and reduce resistance ahead of active monitoring phases.
The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the JMMT include:
- Intelligence gathering on deceptive or unfair trade practices
- Routine surveillance (covert and overt) and product inspection
- Identification and sanction of exploitative traders or associations
- Sealing of outlets engaged in the sale of unsafe or substandard goods
- Issuance of summons or directives to ensure cooperation with investigations
Mr. Bello also appealed to Nigerians to actively support the Commission’s mission.
He urged the public to report suspicious activities or violations through its official complaint portal (complaints.fccpc.gov.ng), dedicated email ([email protected]), hotline (08119877785), and verified social media platforms (@fccpcnigeria)
