The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, on Tuesday raided the Utako Market, Abuja over alleged unfair pricing and deceptive packaging of rice.
At least ten shops were sealed during the raid led by FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka.
According to the commission, the affected shops were being operated by a cartel involved in repackaging locally produced rice and marketing it as imported brands.
During the exercise, agents of the commission conducted a comprehensive inspection across the market, focusing particularly on the foodstuff section.
It was subsequently discovered that Royal Stallion Rice, a foreign brand that is no longer in production in the country, is still being sold as an imported product in the market.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Adeyinka said that the operation followed complaints by brand owners and concerned consumers over the activities of the traders.
“We received reports from brand owners that their products are no longer in the Nigerian market. For instance, the Royal Stallion exited Nigeria over ten years ago,”; she said.
According to her, some Nigerian consumers continue to show a strong preference for foreign rice, despite its limited availability, creating an opportunity for unscrupulous traders to exploit the market.
“Because of the demand for foreign rice, some market cartels have resorted to rebagging local rice and selling it as imported.
“This practice is not only exploitative but also infringes on consumer rights and undermines economic integrity”, she added.
The FCCPC director emphasized the commission’s commitment to protecting consumers by ensuring fair pricing and the integrity of goods sold in the market.
She sternly warned that the Tuesday raid was only the beginning of a wider enforcement drive in the ongoing clampdown.
“This enforcement will be sustained. Those found guilty will face administrative penalties and fines to serve as a deterrent to others,”; she stated.
