Nigeria has intensified efforts to strengthen consumer protection and market integrity in the Southeast, as authorities and stakeholders push for safer products and improved standards across physical and digital market places.
This comes as Engr Obialor Francisca, Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Southeast Zone, highlighted ongoing measures and growing awareness aimed at safeguarding consumers and boosting business confidence in the region.
In an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria in Awka, Anambra State, she noted that while enforcement gaps, rapid market expansion, and evolving e-commerce channels have posed challenges, they have also prompted stronger regulatory focus and stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking on this year’s World Consumer Rights Day, celebrated under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” Obialor emphasised the increasing importance of product safety in a rapidly changing marketplace.
“This year’s theme highlights the urgent need for secure, reliable, and trustworthy goods across both physical and digital marketplaces. Consumers must be confident that the products they purchase meet safety and quality standards,” she said.
She explained that strengthening systems to identify, track, and remove unsafe goods remains central to protecting public health, enhancing investor confidence, and stabilising markets.
“Product safety is not optional. It requires robust systems to identify, track, and remove unsafe goods,” she added. “When these systems fail, consumers face serious health risks, financial losses, environmental harm, and in extreme cases, loss of life. Businesses that do not adhere to standards also risk reputational damage and financial setbacks.”
Obialor stressed that prioritising safety and quality is not only a regulatory obligation but also a strategic business advantage that reinforces trust and drives economic growth.
“Consumer confidence is directly tied to trust in market systems. Companies that maintain high standards protect their brand, safeguard their customers, and contribute to a stronger economy,” she explained.
She also underscored the growing role of consumers in supporting market safety, encouraging them to verify product authenticity by checking labelling, manufacturer details, expiration dates, batch numbers, and certification marks, particularly for regulated goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
“Consumer vigilance is a powerful tool,” Obialor noted. “By making informed choices and reporting suspicious or substandard products, individuals can significantly reduce market risks. Avoid goods that appear damaged, tampered with, unusually cheap, or sourced from unverified sellers, especially online where oversight may be limited.”
She called for sustained collaboration among regulators, manufacturers, and consumers, noting that stronger partnerships will enhance market integrity, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth.
“Stronger collaboration will not only protect consumers but also enhance the business ecosystem, fostering safer markets, boosting investor confidence, and supporting long-term economic growth,” she said.