The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed five textile warehouses in Kano for selling underweight fabric materials. The action followed an intelligence report and investigation confirming violations of consumer protection laws. Officials emphasized the move to safeguard consumers and promote fair market practices.
On Wednesday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) sealed five textile warehouses located around the Sharada Industrial Estate in Kano. The operation targeted distributors accused of unethical practices, specifically selling fabric materials that were underweight and below the standard length or measurement while charging customers the full price.
Leading the team of officials, security operatives, and journalists, FCCPC Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello—represented by Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigation—disclosed that the warehouses were identified through an intelligence report. A thorough investigation confirmed the unwholesome practices, which violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, particularly Section 123(1) prohibiting deceptive practices in the sale of goods.
Adeyinka stressed that the seals were a drastic measure to protect consumers and ensure fair competition. "It is essential for retailers, distributors, and suppliers to provide goods that meet the required standards and descriptions," he said. "The FCCPC will continue to monitor markets across Nigeria to prevent similar exploitative conduct."
The operation stemmed from weeks of discreet market surveillance and intelligence gathering, revealing that several retailers were shortchanging consumers on fabric lengths. Adeyinka added, "Such conduct constitutes a clear violation of consumer rights under the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. Under Section 123(1) of the FCCPA, no retailer, trader, or supplier shall, in the course of trade or for the purpose of promoting or marketing any goods."
The director assured the public that the FCCPC would deploy ongoing enforcement measures to deter exploitative behavior nationwide, sending a message against economic sabotage and upholding lawful standards to benefit consumers and legitimate businesses.