Key regulatory bodies, legal institutions, media, consumers, and other stakeholders have called for stronger enforcement of regulations, increased consumer awareness, and improved product traceability at the 8th Consumer Protection Conference held today March 26 ,2026 in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” was organised by the Save The Consumers Initiative and brought together participants from across sectors to address pressing issues affecting consumer safety and confidence in Nigeria.
Participants were grouped into clusters to deliberate on challenges surrounding unsafe products and consumer protection, with a communiqué expected to outline actionable recommendations.
Speaking at the event, Uko Ete-Udo, Principal Manager, Business Names Department at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), described the Commission as the “gatekeeper” of the business environment. He explained that CAC’s role in registering companies and business names ensure accountability and traceability of entities operating in the marketplace.
He noted that through its digital public search portal, consumers can verify the legitimacy and status of businesses, including whether they comply with statutory requirements such as filing annual returns.
“Without proper registration and records, it becomes difficult to hold any manufacturer or supplier accountable. CAC ensures that every entity has a traceable identity,” he said.
Also speaking, Hadiza Shuaib-Bala, Consumer & Business Education Officer at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), highlighted the Commission’s mandate to protect consumers and promote fair competition under the FCCPC Act of 2018.
She explained that the Commission conducts market surveillance to eliminate expired, adulterated, or unsafe products, and applied sanctions against offenders. According to her, consumer complaints are handled through dedicated channels, with some cases resolved within 24 hours depending on their nature.
“Consumer protection is a shared responsibility. When products are properly tested and regulated, consumers can make informed decisions with confidence,” she said.
In his speech,Convener of the conference, and Team Lead, Save The Consumers Initiative, Dr Ilias Aliyu, stressed that the theme was inspired by growing concerns over declining product standards and their impact on public health and trust.
He called for stricter monitoring of existing policies, improved supply chain integrity, and stronger sanctions against violators, particularly in the e-commerce sector where regulatory gaps persist.
“We already have good policies, but enforcement is weak. Offenders must be publicly sanctioned to deter others,” he stated.
Representing the major sponsor, Sylvia Peter Pero, General Manager, Business Education and Awareness at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), underscored the need for intensified consumer education and stricter compliance with regulations. She also called for greater government involvement and improved judicial awareness of consumer rights.
Similarly, Barr Michael Guda Ugoh, Chief Legal Aid Officer at the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, urged Nigerians, especially those in rural areas to actively seek justice when their consumer rights are violated.
He emphasized that the Council provides free legal services, including advice and court representation, to individuals who cannot afford legal fees.
“Many people believe nothing will happen if they seek justice, but the system works. Consumers must take action and not remain silent,” he said.
Ugoh further advised businesses to promptly address consumer complaints to build trust and long-term loyalty.
The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for stronger collaboration among regulators, increased public awareness, and more robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure that only safe products reach Nigerian consumers.
