FCCPC, LASCOPA CONVENE STAKEHOLDERS ON PRICE TAGGING, CONSUMER PROTECTION COMPLIANCE (PHOTOS)
Read Time:4 Minute, 54 Second
By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), in collaboration with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), on Wednesday convened manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service providers, consumer advocates and other key stakeholders to strengthen compliance with consumer protection laws, with a renewed focus on price tagging, product labelling and return/refund obligations.
The stakeholders’ engagement, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Lagos, was themed “Price Tagging, Minimum Labelling Requirements and Return/Refund: The Implications of Non-Regulatory Compliance.” It provided a platform for regulators and industry players to deliberate on measures to promote transparency, consumer confidence and responsible business practices.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, the Coordinator of the Commission’s Southwest Zonal Office, Dr. Olubunmi Otti, warned that the requirements relating to price display, product labelling and consumer remedies “are not optional standards or best practice guidelines” but legal obligations established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
She explained that businesses that fail to comply with the law could face compliance notices, corrective actions, administrative penalties and, where necessary, temporary closure of their premises, while courts may also order compensation for affected consumers.
Otti further stressed that businesses cannot rely on notices such as “No refund after payment” to deny consumers remedies where the law provides rights to repair, replacement or refund.
“Where the law gives the consumer a right to a remedy, such notices cannot take away rights that are guaranteed by law,” he said.
While reiterating the Commission’s commitment to enforcement, Otti noted that education and stakeholder engagement remain its preferred approach.
“Enforcement is generally the last step, not the first,” he said, adding that businesses are more likely to comply when regulatory expectations are clearly explained and understood.
According to her, consumer protection and business success are complementary, noting that businesses that treat consumers fairly are more likely to earn public trust, retain loyal customers and achieve sustainable growth.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr. Afolabi Solebo, described compliance with pricing regulations, product labelling standards and consumer redress mechanisms as both a legal obligation and a hallmark of responsible business practice.
Solebo said “consumer protection is not a turf to be defended, but a mandate to be shared,” explaining that the joint engagement reflects the growing collaboration between FCCPC and LASCOPA following the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both agencies in April 2026.
He noted that the partnership is aimed at strengthening enforcement, consumer education, complaint resolution, market surveillance, information sharing and coordinated regulatory action.
According to him, “compliance with pricing regulations, product labelling standards and consumer redress mechanisms is not a matter of discretion. It is a legal obligation.”
He urged businesses to embrace compliance as an investment rather than a burden, saying transparent price tagging, accurate product labelling and fair return and refund policies are essential to building consumer confidence, promoting fair competition and driving sustainable economic growth.
Speaking on minimum labelling requirements, the representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Engr. Lawal Ismaila, urged manufacturers to provide accurate and complete information on product labels to protect consumers from misleading claims.
“You should not shortchange consumers. You should be transparent enough to give the right information. Whatever is contained in the pack is what exactly must be on the label,” he said.
Ismaila explained that while packaging protects a product, labelling provides consumers with critical information, including ingredients, usage instructions, regulatory compliance and safety requirements.
He also advised manufacturers to indicate their complete physical addresses instead of P.O. Box addresses and ensure that the declared net weight accurately reflects the contents of every product.
“We must ensure that the quantity that’s supposed to be inside the container is the one we put and must comply with what is declared on the label,” he added, noting that proper labelling also helps combat counterfeit and substandard products.
Also speaking, Convener of the Consumers Value Awards (CVA), Akonte Ekine, described compliance as “not just a legal obligation but a trust obligation.”
According to him, every consumer enters the marketplace with three fundamental questions: “Can I trust the price? Can I trust the product? Can I trust the seller if something goes wrong?”
He explained that price tagging represents price trust, product labelling signifies product trust, while return and refund policies build relationship trust between businesses and consumers.
Ekine added that consumers expect value for every purchase they make, warning that failure to deliver the expected value discourages repeat patronage and ultimately affects business sustainability.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the FCCPC to deepen consumer education and awareness across the country.
The agency said it would leverage its nationwide communication network to ensure that information on consumer rights and regulatory compliance reaches communities at the grassroots, while urging participants to share the knowledge gained at the engagement within their respective organisations and communities.
As part of the programme, the legal teams of the FCCPC and LASCOPA delivered detailed presentations on the legal framework governing price tagging, minimum labelling requirements and return/refund obligations.
The interactive session provided participants with practical guidance on compliance with the FCCPA 2018 and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law 2025 (as amended), while addressing questions on consumer rights, regulatory expectations and enforcement procedures.
Delivering the closing remarks and vote of thanks, the Head of Corporate Affairs Department of the FCCPC, Mr. Henry Ukason, appreciated the Lagos State Government, LASCOPA and all stakeholders for supporting the engagement.
He urged businesses and other stakeholders to embrace compliance with consumer protection laws, stressing that sustained collaboration among regulators, businesses and consumers remains essential to building a transparent, competitive and consumer-friendly marketplace.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0