The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Lagos traders against enforcing the illegal “no return, no refund” policy.
Dr Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC Southwest Zone, made the remark during the inauguration of new executives of the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) on Wednesday in Lagos.
Otti said the commission visits markets to educate traders on their obligations under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and the consequences of non-compliance. She added that the commission is also raising consumer awareness about their rights and responsibilities, noting that consumer education is the first line of defense against exploitation.
“Consumer education is consumer protection. When a consumer is empowered, that is the first means of defense against market exploitation,” she said.
Citing the widespread “no return, no refund” policy, Otti stressed that it is prohibited under Nigerian law. “There is no such thing as ‘no return, no refund.’ If a product does not fulfill its intended purpose, the consumer has the right to return it,” she said.
She explained that when consumers lodge complaints, the commission invites businesses for mediation and ensures remedies such as refund, replacement, or exchange are provided. Where businesses refuse to comply, the law empowers the commission to impose fines, withdraw products, seize goods, prosecute offenders, or shut down erring businesses.
Otti reiterated that the commission’s mandate is to promote fair competition and protect consumers’ interests. “We want to work together in the interest of consumers in Nigeria. The message is clear: quality products and quality services. After that, there will be no issues,” she said.
She called for collective responsibility among traders and market executives to ensure compliance and sustain a thriving market environment.
Otti disclosed that the sensitization campaign would extend to other major markets in the Southwest Zone, including Alaba Market and the Trade Fair Complex.
She urged consumers to report rights violations rather than accepting them passively. “When your rights are violated, do not just say ‘you give it to God.’ Bring your complaints to the FCCPC. The law empowers us to protect you,” she said.
Otti revealed that the Southwest Zone receives thousands of complaints monthly through the commission’s portal, adding that greater awareness is needed to encourage voluntary compliance by businesses.
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