An operation carried out by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in the Garki Modern Market in Abuja revealed deceptive tactics employed by syndicates to sell rice below the stated weight, the commission reported on Thursday.
Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Adamu Abdullahi, disclosed in a statement that this fraudulent activity was uncovered during a targeted enforcement exercise at the modern market in Abuja.
In line with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 and specifically under Sections 17(1)(s), 116(2), 124, 125, 138, and 155, the commission is dedicated to safeguarding consumer rights and interests.
Section 125 of the law prohibits businesses from providing false or deceptive information about crucial facts to consumers.
Moreover, Section 138 imposes responsibility on manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliers for violating implied legal obligations, including claims about their products.
During the investigation, officials identified discrepancies between the labeled sizes of 25kg and 50kg rice bags and their actual weights, highlighting how such acts not only contravene the FCCPA but also exploit consumers through deceitful means.
According to the statement, “A targeted enforcement operation was conducted by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission at the Garki Modern Market in Abuja.
“The operation was focused on verifying the accuracy of weight claims on 25kg and 50kg rice bags. Our assessment exposed inconsistencies between the specified weights and the actual content, actions that breach the FCCPA and harm consumers through deceptive practices.”
The head of FCCPC announced that the persons responsible have been issued a summons for further investigation and are required to provide written assurances to discontinue these deceptive behaviors.
“Consequently, we have summoned the individuals involved, requesting their presence before the commission and their commitment in written form to terminate these deceptive actions. A Mutual Supervisory Understanding will also be put in place to ensure compliance.
“As the festive season draws near, similar to every other period, the FCCPC urges consumers to demand and ensure they receive full value for their money. We recommend verifying the accuracy of rice packaging weights against the stated claims and reporting any discrepancies using the complaint section on our website,” added Abdullahi.
The FCCPC has reaffirmed its commitment to equitable pricing and safeguarding the welfare of consumers.
In a previous incident, the commission shut down Sahad Stores, a prominent shopping mall in Abuja, due to “misleading” or “deceptive” pricing practices.
Furthermore, it has pledged to investigate the rising cost of sachet water, denouncing it as unacceptable.