The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission announced on Thursday that it found deceptive techniques being used by groups at the Garki Modern Market to sell rice at weights lower than what was claimed.
The organization, in a statement signed by its acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, stated that this dishonest behavior was identified after a focused enforcement operation at the modern market in Abuja.
This move was part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to safeguard consumer rights and interests, as mandated by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, particularly under Sections 17(1)(s), 116(2), 124, 125, 138, and 155.
The regulation, in Section 125, states that businesses must not make false or misleading claims about important facts to consumers.
Section 138 also holds manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliers accountable for violating implied legal obligations, including product claims.
According to him, its officials found that the 25kg and 50kg bags of rice did not weigh the amounts that were claimed, highlighting differences between the weight claims and the actual contents.
He also mentioned that such practices not only break the FCCPA but also take advantage of consumers through dishonest methods.
The statement said, “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission carried out a focused enforcement operation at the Garki Modern Market in Abuja.
“The operation was aimed at confirming the accuracy of product claims on 25kg and 50kg bags of rice. Our findings revealed differences between the weight claims and the actual contents. Such practices not only breach the FCCPA but also exploit consumers through misleading methods.”
The FCCPC boss added that a notice of summon has been issued to the perpetrators for further investigation and provide written undertakings to cease these deceptive practices.
“As a result, we have summoned the perpetrators. They are required to appear before the commission and provide written undertakings to stop these deceptive practices. A Mutual Supervisory Understanding will also be issued to monitor compliance.
“As we approach the festive season, like every other season, the FCCPC encourages consumers to demand and insist on full value for money. We advise verifying the weight of rice packages to align with stated claims and report any inconsistencies through the complaint tab on our website,” Abdullahi added.
The FCCPC has vowed to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers’ interests.
Last month, the commission sealed Sahad Stores, a popular Abuja shopping mall over “misleading” or “deceptive” pricing practices.
It also promised to investigate the increasing price of sachet water, describing it as “unacceptable.”
