Regulatory agency warns of surge in counterfeit products flooding the market

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of unsafe and substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning that this trend is eroding consumer trust and undermining the country’s economic integrity.

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The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, raised the alarm on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day 2026 and the 9th National Consumers Contest Awards.

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Speaking on the theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” Bello said the rising uncertainty around product safety is already affecting market behaviour and consumer confidence.

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We are gathered at a time when product safety has become central to market integrity, consumer confidence, and public welfare, Bello stated, adding that the theme for this year’s celebration captures a simple but important truth: where safety is uncertain, confidence declines.

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And where confidence declines, markets become weaker, less efficient, and less trustworthy, he explained, highlighting the impact of product safety on market dynamics.

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Across several sectors, the Commission continues to encounter products that do not meet basic safety and quality standards, including improperly labelled goods, products that fall short of essential safety requirements, and instances of misrepresentation, Bello noted.

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These issues stem from weak internal controls, poor compliance culture, and in some cases, deliberate disregard for regulatory obligations, he said, emphasizing the need for improved compliance and regulatory oversight.

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Linking product safety directly to economic stability and investor confidence, Bello explained that unsafe markets discourage participation, distort competition, and reduce overall economic efficiency.

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Some of these failures arise from weak internal controls, while others reflect gaps in compliance culture, and in certain instances, there are indications of deliberate disregard for legal and regulatory obligations, he stated.

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The effect is immediate and serious, with consumers exposed to avoidable risks, trust in the market weakened, and law-abiding businesses placed at a disadvantage, Bello warned.

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Product safety, therefore, cannot be treated as a secondary matter, but rather as a core obligation with clear public interest consequences, he emphasized.

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This approach aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reform programme, which focuses on strengthening market integrity, improving consumer confidence, and promoting a rules-based business environment, Bello stated.

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He emphasized that consumer protection is not just a regulatory responsibility but a vital pillar for sustainable economic growth, and when markets are safe, reliable, and transparent, they support sustainable growth and give investors greater confidence to participate.

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The Commission would enforce compliance rigorously, stressing that product safety is a legal obligation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, Bello warned, adding that any product posing risks must be addressed immediately.

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Consumers are entitled to goods that are safe, durable, and fit for purpose, and businesses are under a duty to ensure that the products they place on the market consistently meet these standards, he said.

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Where a product presents a risk, the law requires prompt corrective action, including withdrawal, recall, and proper notice to consumers, Bello explained, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.

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The FCCPC has expanded market surveillance and strengthened product testing in key sectors, and where conduct raises concerns about consumer safety, such matters are investigated, and where breaches are established, appropriate enforcement action is taken, he added.

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To tackle systemic issues, the Commission is deepening collaboration with other regulators, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Bello said.

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These partnerships focus on information sharing, coordinated enforcement, and joint interventions to close regulatory gaps, he explained, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation.

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Consumer protection is most effective when institutions work in concert, and effective outcomes depend on alignment in standards, consistency in enforcement, and clarity in institutional responsibilities, Bello stated.

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The Commission is pleased to be joined by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, each playing an important role in ensuring that products meet acceptable standards, he said.

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Addressing concerns over rising prices, Bello clarified that the FCCPC does not regulate prices but remains committed to tackling unfair practices, emphasizing that fair pricing is an essential part of a well-functioning market.

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The commission does not control prices, however, it will continue to act where conduct undermines fairness, transparency, or safety, or otherwise harms consumers in breach of the law, he said.

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Bello urged manufacturers, importers, and service providers to integrate product safety at every stage of operations, from sourcing and production to distribution and retail, emphasizing that product safety cannot be treated as an afterthought.

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Where defects or safety risks are identified, timely corrective action is required, and delay increases exposure, deepens consumer harm, and erodes trust, he warned, adding that failure to act responsibly will attract regulatory response.

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Compliance is not a favour to the regulator, but rather a basic condition for participating in the market, Bello stated, emphasizing the importance of responsible business conduct.

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To Nigerian consumers, remain informed, vigilant, and engaged, ask questions, examine products before purchase, pay attention to labelling, quality, and safety information, and report concerns where they arise, he said.

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He also called on consumers to play a more active role in safeguarding the market, emphasizing that consumer protection is stronger when consumers are informed and active participants in the market.

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Highlighting the role of education, Bello commended participants in the National Consumers Contest, describing them as future advocates of responsible consumption, and emphasizing that consumer protection is not only about enforcement but also about education, awareness, critical thinking, and responsible engagement.

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Nigeria has long struggled with the influx of substandard and counterfeit goods, particularly in food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and household items, with regulators repeatedly pointing to porous borders, weak enforcement, and low compliance as key contributors to the problem.

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The FCCPC’s renewed efforts signal a tougher regulatory stance, especially as the government seeks to strengthen market institutions under its broader economic reform agenda, with the commission’s message clear: restoring trust in Nigeria’s markets requires stricter compliance, stronger enforcement, and more active participation from all stakeholders.

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Safe and reliable markets depend on responsible business conduct, effective regulation, and informed consumer participation, and that standard must be upheld consistently, Bello concluded.