From Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra
As global attention turns to consumer protection, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has renewed its call for manufacturers to prioritize safety and quality in the production of goods, emphasizing that consumer well-being must remain central to sustainable economic growth.
In an interview with Voice of Nigeria marking the recent World Consumer Rights Day, Engr. Obialor Francisca, Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC Southeast Zone, stressed the importance of producing safe and healthy products to safeguard consumers and strengthen trust in markets.
“The World Consumer Rights Day is the only globally recognized day dedicated to promoting consumer rights and needs,” she said. “The 2026 theme, ‘Safe Products, Confident Consumers,’ highlights the urgent need for secure and trustworthy goods in both physical and digital marketplaces.”
She noted that as e-commerce continues to expand rapidly, ensuring product safety has become even more critical. According to her, effective enforcement of safety standards is essential to prevent risks to public health and reinforce consumer confidence.
“Product safety is not optional, it is essential,” she emphasized. “It requires robust systems to identify, track, and remove unsafe products from circulation. When these systems fail, consumers bear the consequences, including health risks, financial losses, environmental harm, and even loss of life.”
Engr. Obialor further emphasized that the right to safe products remains a fundamental consumer right, yet unsafe and substandard goods still persist in markets, shops, and online platforms. She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, manufacturers, and consumer groups to address the challenge.
Highlighting the FCCPC’s commitment to building a safer marketplace, she added:
“We are dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to safe, quality products. Protecting consumer health is central to our mission of building a better Nigeria. When consumers feel safe, confidence grows, and the entire economy benefits.”
She also encouraged consumers to take an active role in protecting themselves by verifying product authenticity before purchase. Key checks include confirming proper labeling, manufacturer details, production and expiration dates, batch numbers, and certification marks. For regulated goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, consumers should also look for official registration numbers and nutritional information.
“Consumer vigilance is a powerful tool,” she said. “By making informed choices and reporting suspicious or substandard products, individuals contribute to a safer and healthier society.”
Consumers are advised to avoid goods that appear damaged, tampered with, unusually cheap, or sourced from unverified sellers, particularly in online transactions. Suspicious or unsafe products should be reported promptly to the FCCPC to help prevent harm to others.
For complaints, inquiries, or reports, the FCCPC Southeast Zonal Office can be reached via:
Email: southeast@fccpc.gov.ng
Telephone: +234 803 412 4060
Address: No. 6 Hon. Pete Ibida Street, Road 1, Abuja Estate, opposite Old Government House, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
“Together, we can build markets that are safe, trusted, and sustainable for all,” Engr. Obialor concluded, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and promoting public health across Nigeria.
End.