FCCPC, LASCOPA sign deal to strengthen consumer protection nationwide

In a significant move to bolster consumer rights across Nigeria, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has formalized a partnership with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA). The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in Abuja, signals a crucial step towards decentralizing consumer protection efforts and making them more accessible to the populace.

“

Many consumer issues arise within states and communities. They are local in character, immediate in effect, and often require rapid intervention. State institutions are therefore indispensable partners in building a credible and accessible consumer protection framework across the federation.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, articulated the rationale behind the collaboration, stating that many consumer issues are inherently local and demand swift intervention at the state level. He emphasized that central management from Abuja alone is no longer sufficient given the expanding complexity of markets and the sheer volume of complaints spanning various sectors, from transportation and food to digital services and financial transactions.

“

Consumer protection is no longer a narrow subject. It now touches nearly every aspect of modern life, transportation, food, housing, healthcare, digital services, financial transactions, e-commerce, pricing, transparency, and the quality of essential services. In each of these areas, citizens expect fairness, accountability, and accessible redress where things go wrong.

This agreement underscores a shared commitment to enhancing consumer welfare and promoting fair business practices. By strengthening institutional cooperation, the FCCPC and LASCOPA aim to ensure that citizens receive fairness, accountability, and accessible redress when things go wrong. The partnership acknowledges that consumer protection has evolved beyond a narrow regulatory function to become an integral part of everyday life, requiring coordinated and practical responses to increasingly sophisticated market challenges.

“

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the FCCPC and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency. Today’s event is significant because it reflects a shared commitment to improving the daily experience of consumers and strengthening fair business conduct through practical institutional cooperation.