By Uzair Adam
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday launched a major enforcement operation in Kano State, targeting warehouses and retailers accused of selling under-measured fabric materials to unsuspecting buyers.
The exercise, which took place in the Sharada Industrial Area and other commercial hubs, focused on companies including LGR Products, UME Products, Nana Textile Products, Mama Africa Products, and UE Products, among others.
Speaking during the operation, the Director of Surveillance and Investigations at the FCCPC, Boladale Adeyanka, said the move followed verified intelligence and weeks of discreet surveillance that exposed deceptive sales practices by some fabric dealers.
“The enforcement exercise carried out today at this target location is in response to verified intelligence. This is just one of the many targeted businesses or warehouses involved in this alleged infraction,” Adeyanka explained.
According to her, the Commission discovered that several traders were selling fabrics below the stated measurements printed on their labels.
“You will recall that we took measurements right before us—fabrics labelled 10 yards were found to be only 9 yards, while those labelled 5 yards were as short as 4 and a half,” she said.
Adeyanka emphasized that such conduct violates multiple provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive representations concerning product quantity or quality.
“Under Section 123 of the FCCPA, no retailer or trader shall make any false or misleading representation about the quantity or price of goods supplied.
“Similarly, Section 125 prohibits any supplier or distributor from engaging in conduct that implies a false or misleading representation to a consumer,” she stated.
She added that such deceptive practices not only exploit consumers but also disrupt fair market competition.
“These acts undermine honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards. They can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” she noted.
Adeyanka further disclosed that following verified findings, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, approved the sealing of several shops under Sections 27 and 28 of the Act to allow further investigation.
Samples of the implicated materials were also seized for measurement and quality verification.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from fraudulent practices, stressing that the operation reflects the FCCPC’s statutory duty to promote fairness and integrity in trade.
“This enforcement operation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring a fair marketplace and safeguarding consumer welfare—both economic and social. It also reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights in Nigeria.”
The Commission urged consumers to stay alert and report any suspected cases of deceptive trade practices through its official complaint channels.
“We encourage consumers to insist on their rights and to report any unscrupulous practices. The Commission will continue to deploy lawful enforcement measures to deter exploitative and obnoxious business conduct across the nation,” Adeyanka concluded.