The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on the Federal Government to reopen borders to allow legal importation of food to combat hunger in Nigeria.
The Commission said reopening borders would boost food imports while stabilizing market prices. The call was made during an advocacy meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi.
The Acting Executive Chairman of the Commission, Adamu Abdullahi, stressed the FCCPC’s ongoing efforts to sensitize the public on usury and other unfair trade practices in the Nigerian market. Abdullahi said the Commission’s visit was aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on their rights, helping them identify counterfeit goods, and finding appropriate complaint channels.
“As intermediaries, we ensure that we repair or replace substandard products or refund if consumers are not satisfied with their purchase,” Abdullahi explained. He expressed concern over the rise in commodity prices following the recent appreciation of the naira against the dollar, saying the situation is unacceptable.
“The FCCPC remains committed to promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and facilitating a regulated market. We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and proactively report any violations,” he added.
Responding, the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, expressed concern over the rising prices in the market, especially food items, saying it was causing hardship to the public.
The emir, who was represented by the Lame Area Head, Alhaji Yakubu Aliyu Lame, highlighted the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to reduce food prices.
Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu assured that traditional institutions in the state are ready to inform the public of the activities of the committee to ensure that the message reaches the target audience.
