The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed off five textile warehouses in Kano for engaging in deceptive trade practices and exploitation of consumers.
The Commission said the affected distributors were found selling underweight and shortened fabric materials to unsuspecting customers, contrary to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The enforcement operation was led by the Commission’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Boladale Adeyinka, following weeks of surveillance in major Kano markets.
Findings revealed that several textile products, including LGR, U&Me, Nana Tex, V Levintus, Mama Africa, Hightex, UE, S-U Velt, and Jisiki, were being sold below their indicated measurements while consumers were charged full prices.
The affected warehouses were located at Nos. 238, 249, 313, 315, 413, and 428 Gandun Abada Layout; Nos. 38 and 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; No. 87 Bua Rice Mills Street; Links I, II & III Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road; and No. 287 Gandun Albasa New Layout, all in Kano.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, described the action as part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to curb exploitative market practices and promote fair competition.
“By undermining honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards, this nefarious practice of selling underweight products can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, reduce consumer choice, and entrench anti-competitive behaviour,” Bello stated.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deploying all lawful measures to deter deceptive conduct across Nigerian markets and urged retailers and distributors to adhere strictly to declared product standards and descriptions.
Bello also commended the diligence of the FCCPC enforcement team led by Adeyinka and expressed appreciation to security agencies for their support during the operation.
