*The Lagos Zonal Office of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission highlights how it successfully resolved over 15,000 consumer complaints 15,000 consumer complaints received through the Commission’s online portal and physical office in the Lagos Zone
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
The Lagos Zonal Office of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said it successfully resolved over 15,000 consumer complaints.
ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator of the Lagos Office of the Commission, disclosed this during an interactive session with reporters in the office, in Ikeja, the state capital.
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Otti said Commission received loads of complaints through the FCCPC’s Web site, and direct visits to the Lagos Corporate Office.
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Otti urged all Nigerian consumers to actively know their rights, and demand redress when short changed by businesses, organisations, and public institutions.
She further noted that consumers who purchase products and services have a right to expect value for their money, and can seek redress when such expectations are not met.
However, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator of FCCPC explained that consumers must first engage the service provider before approaching the Commission, if they remain dissatisfied with the response.
She stated: “In order for FCCPC to address a complaint, the complainant must have engaged the service provider, and if you are not satisfied with the services provided, you have a right to seek redress from FCCPC.”
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Otti equally directed consumers seeking redress to use the Commission’s complaints portal, or visit the Lagos Office at 17, Oremeta Street, Opebi Link Bridge Road, Off Oregun Road, in Ikeja.
Such complaints, she explained, should contain relevant details, including the address and location of the service provider, receipt of purchase, amount involved and the specific redress being sought.
The Zonal Coordinator also disclosed that of about 17,000 complaints received through the portal, and directly at the zonal office, over 15,000 had been resolved thus far.
The overarching objective is to protect the interests and welfare of consumers.
Otti, therefore, encouraged consumers to approach the commission with complaints relating to issues, such as: Return and refund of products; Product labelling; Pricing; Hidden prices; Sale of substandard products; Product tagging; and Improper labelling.
She noted that product labelling should be provided in English, the official language in Nigeria.
Consumers also can submit complaints through the FCCPC’s complaints portal or contact the Lagos Zonal Office on 08147170738.
Dr. Otti revealed the Commission resolves consumer complaints through various mechanisms, including direct engagement, negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and administrative hearings.
She advised consumers, who are dissatisfied with products or services provided by businesses to come forward and seek redress with the Commission.
She noted: “The satisfaction and safety of Nigerian consumers are paramount to the commission and nothing more.”
The FCCPC is empowered by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, to promote fair business practices and safeguard consumer interests.
The Commission also works to prevent practices that could lead to the abuse of market dominance or monopolies and investigates anti-competitive practices, including price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation and abuse of dominant market positions.