FCCPC resolves over 15,000 consumer complaints in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Office of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resolved more than 15,000 of the 17,000 consumer complaints lodged with it online and offline.

The Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Olubunmi Otti, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at the commission’s office in Ikeja.

Otti said the complaints covered various consumer-related issues, adding that those resolved were handled primarily to protect the interests and welfare of consumers.

She explained that consumers who purchase goods and services have a right to expect value for their money and seek redress when their expectations are not met.

According to her, consumers are expected to first engage the service provider over their complaints before approaching the FCCPC if they are dissatisfied with the response or service received.

She said complaints could be lodged through the commission’s online portal or personally at its Lagos office at 17 Oremeta Street, Opebi Link Bridge Road, off Oregun Road, Ikeja.

Otti said complainants should provide relevant details, including the address and location of the service provider, receipt of purchase, amount involved and the redress being sought.

She said about 17,000 complaints had been received by the Lagos zonal office, with more than 15,000 resolved while the remaining cases were still being processed.

The zonal coordinator urged consumers to report cases involving return and refund, product labelling, pricing, hidden charges, sale of substandard products and other unfair business practices.

She said the commission resolves complaints through various mechanisms, including direct engagement, negotiation, mediation, conciliation and administrative hearings.

Otti noted that the FCCPC was empowered by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 to promote fair business practices and safeguard consumers’ interests.

She said the commission also works to prevent practices that could result in abuse of market dominance or monopolies and investigates anti-competitive practices, including price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation and abuse of dominant market positions.

Otti encouraged consumers who were dissatisfied with goods or services to approach the commission for redress through its consumer complaints portal or by calling 08147170738.

“The satisfaction and safety of Nigerian consumers are paramount to the commission and nothing more,” she said.