The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken a decisive step to protect consumer rights and promote fair business practices in Nigeria.
As part of this effort, the head office of Sahad Supermarket/Stores in Abuja has been sealed off. Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, led this action on Friday.
The body stated that it made the decision close the store after investigations revealed that customers were being exploited and there was a lack of transparency in pricing.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasized that such practices are not acceptable and violate the rights of consumers under the FCCPA. These actions also go against Section 155 (3) of the FCCPA, which imposes severe penalties, including fines of N100 million or more, for corporate entities found guilty of such offenses.
“What we have found out that they are doing is misleading pricing and lack of transparency in their pricing which is against section 155 (3) of the FCCPAct. It is an obnoxious practice and amounts to violation of rights under the FCCPA,” Dr. Abdullahi asserted.
Despite being given the chance to defend themselves, representatives from Sahad Supermarket did not show up and instead sent a lawyer who was not familiar with the case. As a result, the FCCPC had to take action and close down the premises until they comply with the regulations.
The Commission, which is responsible for protecting consumer rights, has stated that it will continue to monitor Sahad Supermarket to make sure they follow the law. Dr. Abdullahi emphasized that the FCCPC is committed to safeguarding citizens and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s goals for economic growth and consumer well-being.
Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, the Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department of FCCPC, brought attention to a problem at a supermarket. She noticed that there were differences between the prices displayed on products and the prices recorded at the pay point computers. This was happening even with identical products from the same brand. This inconsistency could potentially lead to customers being cheated out of their money.
“The same products, the same brand has different prices. One is N5,000 while one is N6,000. Imagine if you buy 10 pairs, that means you have been short-changed by N10,000,” Mrs. Adeyinka emphasized, underscoring the importance of fair pricing practices.
Mr. Salisu Zango, a representative from Sahad Supermarket, has admitted to the mistake and assured that necessary actions have been taken to rectify it. He confidently stated, “We have fixed the issue.”
