The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed five textile warehouses in Kano for allegedly engaging in deceptive trade practices, including the sale of underweight and shortened fabric materials to unsuspecting customers.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, followed weeks of surveillance across Kano markets by the Commission’s enforcement team, led by its Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka.
Widespread Deception Uncovered
According to the FCCPC, investigations revealed that several textile distributors had been marketing and selling fabrics significantly shorter than the measurements indicated on the packaging while charging buyers full price — a clear violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
The affected distributors were found to be dealing in products under various brand names, including LGR, U&Me, Nana Tex, V Levintus, Mama Africa, Hightex, UE, S-U Velt, and Jisiki.
The warehouses were located across major trading zones in Kano, including Gandun Abada Layout, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Bua Rice Mills Street, Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road, and Gandun Albasa New Layout.
Regulator Condemns Exploitative Practices
In a statement, FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, condemned the conduct as exploitative and anti-competitive.
“By undermining honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards, this nefarious practice of selling underweight products can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” Bello said.
He reaffirmed that the Commission maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward consumer exploitation, pledging to continue enforcement across all markets nationwide.
Consumers Warned, Businesses Cautioned
Bello urged Nigerian consumers to remain vigilant and report deceptive trade practices, while reminding retailers and suppliers of their legal obligations under Sections 123 and 125 of the FCCPA, which prohibit false or misleading representations about the quality, quantity, or price of goods.
He commended the diligence of the FCCPC enforcement team and thanked collaborating security agencies for their support during the operation.
“This is part of our broader commitment to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and sanitise Nigerian markets,” he added.
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