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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has solicited the support of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Consumer Protection Groups (CPGs) in its quest to strengthen consumer rights protection system in Nigeria.
FCCPC admitted that the quest for improved confidence of Nigerians in its capacity to “fight” and push for their rights will be achieved faster with the support of the civil society groups operating in the consumer protection spaces.
Acting Executive Vice Chairman, FCCPC, Abdullahi Adamu, at an interactive meeting on the theme “Collaboration for Competition and Consumer Protection” with the representatives of the NGOs and CPGs under the umbrella of Coalition of Nigeria Civil Society Association (CONCA), in Abuja, on Thursday, observed and appreciated the roles/advocacy that have been played individually and collectively by the NGOs and CPGs at their different operating locations.
He said: “But if we could work together going forward, we would achieve more result, and further better the fate of Nigerians and non-Nigerians who patronize several goods and services within the country. Our recent enforcement actions in several markets and supermarkets within and outside Abuja is a pointer that we are ready to ‘fight’ for Nigerians and ensure they get value for their resources,” he said.
He promised to champion adequate and good working environment with the NGOs and CPGs, reminding them that they have the same goal and objectives with the Commission, which is the ensure that Nigerians get adequate value for money.
Adedeji Babatunde, who spoke on behalf of CONCA members, appreciated FCCPC management for the interactive platform that provided opportunity for CONCA members to speak to several challenges that had affected their operations and the “fight” against consumers’ rights abuse, proffering workable solutions.
He said the suggestion for a united and formidable force with the Commission is a step in the right direction, assuring FCCPC management that member of CONCA are ever-committed to the cause protecting the rights of consumers from several avenues being used to cheap/defraud consumers.
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He informed the Commission that, with strong working relationship with all stakeholders, they would champion an enhanced consumer protection and certification; provide insight on consumer grievances; improve enforcement efforts; promote fare competition/ level playing field for businesses, among several others.
Tokunbo Smith, a member of CONCA, in his submissions, informed the Commission about the alleged fraudulent activities of some petrol stations in some obscured locations in Nigeria, in which they dispense products to customers that are far lower in measurement than what was paid for.
He admitted that, though, overseeing the downstream sector of the petroleum industry may not be within the responsibilities of the Commission, it should collaborate with the relevant government agencies to enforce standards and measurements in the activities of the petrol stations.
Another CONCA member, Otunba Debola Osibogun, registered her displeasure with the poor communication between the Commission and the Association in the past, thus challenging the new management of the Commission to effect necessary corrections and strengthen communications with the CONCA members and other stakeholders.
“We would have achieved a lot if we had been working collaboratively since. Nevertheless, we have done well individually. We had done some great advocacies and enlightenments in our various areas that heralded strong awareness. But there’s room for improvement.”
She encouraged the Commission to periodically organize such interactive sessions with the NGO and CPGs, to enable cross-fertilization of ideas, and exchange of experiences, skills and knowledge.
