In a major operation in Kano, operatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) today shut down the warehouses of five textile distributors for engaging in unethical business practices.
The Commission said the companies were involved in deceptive sales of underweight and shortened fabric materials to unsuspecting consumers, breaching the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The enforcement operation was led by the Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka. The FCCPC explained that the action followed weeks of surveillance around major textile markets in Kano. Investigators discovered that several retailers had been selling fabric materials significantly below the standard lengths or measurements indicated on product labels while charging consumers the full price.
According to the Commission, the fraudulent activities violated key sections of the FCCPA. Section 123(1) of the Act states that no retailer, trader, or supplier shall, in the course of trade, make any representation to a consumer that is false, misleading, erroneous, or deceptive, including regarding the quantity or price of goods supplied. Section 125(1) also prohibits any undertaking from directly or indirectly implying a false or misleading representation concerning a material fact to a consumer.
The textile brands identified in the operation include 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.
Investigations revealed that these products were imported, marketed, distributed, advertised, and warehoused at various locations including Nos. 238, 249, 313, 315, 413, and 428 Gandun Abada Layout; Nos. 38 and 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; No. 87 Bua Rice Mills Street; Links I, II, and III Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road; and No. 287 Gandun Albasa New Layout in Kano city.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the Commission would not tolerate 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,” said Mr. Bello.
He assured that the Commission will continue to deploy lawful measures to deter such exploitative conduct in all markets across Nigeria. Retailers, distributors, and suppliers were reminded of their legal obligation to provide goods that meet declared descriptions, measurements, and standards.
Mr. Bello commended the diligence of the FCCPC team led by Mrs. Adeyinka and thanked security agencies for their cooperation during the operation.
