The Lagos Zonal Office of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resolved more than 15,000 consumer complaints received through its online platform and direct engagements with residents across the zone.
The Zonal Coordinator of the commission, Dr. Olubunmi Otti, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at the FCCPC office in Ikeja, Lagos.
Otti said the complaints covered various disputes between consumers and businesses, adding that the volume of cases handled demonstrates the commission’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and promoting fair business practices.
She reminded consumers that they have the right to seek redress when products or services fail to meet expected standards. However, she advised consumers to first approach the relevant seller or service provider to resolve a dispute before seeking the intervention of the FCCPC if the response is unsatisfactory.
According to her, consumers who wish to lodge complaints with the commission must provide sufficient information to support their cases. Such information includes the address and location of the business involved, receipts or other proof of purchase, the amount paid or in dispute, as well as the specific remedy being requested.
Otti also encouraged consumers to report violations rather than remain silent when their rights are infringed upon.
She listed some of the issues that consumers should report to the commission to include refusal to issue refunds, misleading product information, arbitrary price increases, undisclosed charges and the sale of substandard goods.
The FCCPC official further emphasised the importance of proper product labelling, noting that labels should be provided in English to ensure consumers have adequate information before making purchasing decisions.
She explained that the commission employs several approaches in resolving consumer disputes, including direct discussions with businesses, negotiation, mediation, conciliation and administrative hearings.
Established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, the FCCPC is responsible for protecting consumers, promoting fair competition and preventing business practices that could undermine a competitive marketplace.
Its mandate also covers addressing anti-competitive practices such as abuse of market dominance, monopolies, price fixing, bid rigging and unlawful market allocation.
Otti assured consumers that the commission would continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure businesses operate fairly and consumers receive value for their money.
She urged anyone dissatisfied with goods or services received to approach the FCCPC for assistance, stressing that consumer welfare and safety remain central to the commission’s mandate.
