The warning was issued by the commission’s Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Olubunmi Otti, during the inauguration of new executives of the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) on Wednesday in Lagos.
Otti explained that the commission was engaging traders as part of a broader effort to educate businesses about their responsibilities to consumers and the legal implications of violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
According to her, the FCCPC is also working to raise awareness among consumers about their rights and responsibilities, noting that informed consumers are better equipped to protect themselves against unfair market practices.
“Consumer education is consumer protection. When a consumer is empowered, that is the first means of defence against market exploitation,” she said.
Addressing the common practice among traders of displaying signs that read “no return, no refund,” Otti stressed that such policies are not recognised under Nigerian law. She explained that consumers have the right to return products that fail to perform their intended purpose.
“There is no such thing as ‘no return, no refund.’ If a product does not fulfil its intended purpose, the consumer has the right to return it,” she stated.
Otti noted that when complaints are received, the commission typically invites both the consumer and the business involved for mediation. Where necessary, remedies such as refunds, product replacement, or exchanges are enforced to resolve disputes.
She added that businesses that refuse to comply with consumer protection regulations could face serious penalties. These include fines, seizure or withdrawal of products from the market, prosecution of offenders, or even closure of non-compliant businesses.
According to Otti, the FCCPC’s mandate extends beyond consumer protection to ensuring fair competition within Nigeria’s marketplace.
“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 urged traders and market leaders to take collective responsibility in ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws to sustain trust and fairness in commercial activities.
Otti also revealed that the commission’s sensitisation campaign would continue across other major markets in the Southwest, including Alaba International Market and the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
Encouraging consumers to be proactive, she advised members of the public to report violations rather than remain silent when their rights are infringed upon.
“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 further disclosed that the commission receives thousands of complaints each month from the Southwest zone alone through its online portal, stressing that increased awareness would help encourage voluntary compliance among businesses.