From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has highlighted some of the measures it took recently to support Federal Government’s efforts to establish stability and uniformity in prices of food items and other essential commodities.
Similarly, it highlighted some other measures that it might soon take to ensure improved services, digital and physical, to Nigerians irrespective of social and financial status.
Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Executive Vice Chairman, FCCPC, told journalists at a press conference in Abuja, on Tuesday, to highlight his achievements in over six months in office as the Acting EVC, that the Commission has been working tirelessly to promote competition and protect consumers, thereby creating a vibrant economy that benefits both businesses and Nigerians.
He said: “the Federal Government through several platforms has been working to ensure stability in the price of food and non-food items, as well as other online and offline services to Nigerians.
“At FCCPC, we implemented some measures to support the Federal Government address the public concerns over soaring food prices, and this, expectedly, has helped to curb price gouging, promote fair competition, and protect consumers.
“We strictly monitored formal and informal markets, partnered with stakeholders, enforced pricing transparency, and sensitized consumers on their rights. We also took action against underweight bags of rice, sale of expired goods, cement price hikes, substandard iron rods, and alleged discriminatory practices in a Chinese supermarket.
“These efforts underscored the government’s dedication to safeguarding Nigerian consumers and fostering a fair marketplace. Amidst that, the Commission is implementing data analysis techniques to systematically analyze consumer complaints to help in identifying patterns of unfair practices, leading to targeted interventions and improved consumer protection measures.”
The Acting EVC said the Commission, in the last seven months, actively worked to prevent anticompetitive practices, protect consumers, and foster a competitive market, adding that the efforts included enforcing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), reviewing mergers, conducting investigations, and engaging in consumer and business education, among others.
He said: “To uphold the sanctity of the FCCPA 2018 and successfully implement the provisions, the Commission diligently prosecuted cases involving offenders of the law. For instance, the British American Tobacco (BAT) paid the $110 million fine imposed on it by the FCCPC for various business infractions. The Federal Government received 40 percent of the amount, while 60 percent was paid to the FCCPC.
“FCCPC is currently monitoring the activities of the tobacco company for compliance with international conventions, notably, the National Tobacco Control Act, and regulations, and to prevent potential anticompetitive practices.
“Last week, FCCPC issued a final order and imposed a monetary penalty of $220 million against Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC over discriminatory practices in Nigeria. The Commission has also launched a multifaceted campaign to combat underage tobacco use and protect vulnerable populations.”
The Acting EVC further noted that the Commission has also introduced sensitization conferences for traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to enhance their capacity to serve as champion agents for consumer empowerment within their sphere of influence. “This has enabled the commission to properly coordinate its diverse stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and citizen participation in its affairs,” he said.
He appreciated the support from the management and staff over the period, highlighting some of the measures that were taken to empower the staff and boosts their morals.
He said: “the Commission demonstrated commitment to regular promotion of staff as and when due, provision of a conducive work environment, as well as pursuit of other staff welfare matters such as healthcare and insurance, all of which are targeted at boosting staff morale for enhanced performance.
“Similarly, the Commission has sustained its general training as well as a series of fit-for-purpose training programmes that are aimed at meeting specific needs of professionals in the operation departments.”