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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have signed a partnership agreement aimed at improving consumer experiences and ensuring value for money.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice-Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, described the partnership as a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in the interest of Nigerian consumers, particularly in areas where product safety and consumer protection intersect and require coordinated action.
He noted that while the mandates of both agencies are clearly defined by law, their functions increasingly overlap in practice.
“FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or exploitative market practices. It also promotes competition, investigates complaints, and enforces remedies where consumer welfare has been undermined.
“NAFDAC, on the other hand, has a more product-specific mandate. It regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution, advertisement and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water.
“Its primary concern is safety and quality, ensuring that regulated products meet required standards before and after they enter the market.
“However, in reality, the work of both agencies often converges. Issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals and deceptive advertising raise concerns that fall within both product safety and consumer protection.
“For instance, a harmful product in the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction but also a consumer protection issue for FCCPC. The same applies to false advertising of regulated products, which typically requires input from both agencies. Given this overlap, the MoU provides a practical framework for cooperation,” he said.
Mr Bello further explained that the agreement outlines mechanisms for information sharing, ensuring both organisations have timely access to data required for investigations, policy development and enforcement. It also establishes a structured approach to handling consumer complaints.
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He added that instead of leaving consumers to determine which agency to approach, complaints can now be received through a unified system and directed through clearly defined channels.
“Designated liaison teams will support this process, enabling both agencies to coordinate responses more effectively while reducing confusion for the public,” he said.
He noted that the MoU also supports institutional capacity through joint training, technical collaboration and continuous exchange of expertise.
“For consumers, the benefits are clear, simpler complaint processes, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are not met.
“For businesses, expectations are equally clear. Compliance remains essential, and a more coordinated regulatory approach will make enforcement more predictable and consistent,” he added.
Mr Bello stressed that effective regulation goes beyond enforcement to building trust.
“When consumers are confident that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently. Likewise, when businesses operate within clear and consistent rules, competition is strengthened. This collaboration is designed to achieve both outcomes,” he said.
He reaffirmed FCCPC’s commitment to working with NAFDAC and other relevant institutions to protect consumers and promote fair, efficient markets, describing the agreement as a practical step in that direction.
In her remarks, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the MoU as a step in the right direction. “We have had similar arrangements in the past, but this represents an improved version of the partnership,” she said.
She commended the FCCPC leadership for its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers and reaffirmed NAFDAC’s dedication to fully implementing the provisions of the agreement.
