THE UNEDITED PRESS RELEASE:
FCCPC RESTRATEGISES , VOWS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC – Pursuant to Sections 70 -75; 107, 108, 116, 123 -127
This is an update to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) Release of February 28, 2020 and Update of March 24, 2020.
The Commission’s current strategic and operational priorities remain addressing key competition and consumer protection issues related to and arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. With respect to consumer protection, the Commission notes that the prevalent and aggravated rate of complaints from consumers are failed electronic banking transactions and associated delays in restoration, reconciliation or resolution; slow speed/throttling of internet connectivity as well as arbitrary and inexplicable charges for data; restricted access or delayed signal release after payment for payTV services; continuing irrational and excessive increases in prices of certain medical devices (infrared thermometers), basic relevant hygiene products (Sanitizers, Facemasks) and certain medications (Chloroquine and Vitamin C); and food items; as well as continuing lack/insufficient supply of electricity and arbitrary billing.
Although some suppliers and retailers have demonstrated circumspection in compliance with the Commission’s updates noted above as well as enforcement efforts, others have continued or taken advantage of the current movement restrictions to unfairly increase prices in an unreasonable and inhumane manner.
The Commission is already pursuing criminal charges against some flagrant and unrepentant violators, and is expanding its investigation into other players and industries. The Commission restates its determination (including retrospectively after the pandemic) to subject violators to the appropriate full weight of the law.
In furtherance of its special COVID-19 focus and response, the Commission has created a dedicated platform for the pandemic-related complaints, particularly the ones related to the prevalent issues identified above. Even though, the Commission is operating at limited capacity to address the mirage of complaints and also recognizes that many industry players are experiencing similar challenges, it still encourages producers and service providers to prioritize compliance with consumer protection laws and responsiveness to customers.
COVID-19 related complaints and/or feedback regarding the issues identified above may be filed at the dedicated COVID-19 complaint portal: https://covid19.fccpc.gov.ng; 07086159973.
Consumers are implored to understand that because of the volume of complaints/feedback, we are unable to provide individual responses/case progresses all the time. However, we will aggregate similar complaints and address them together.
Other COVID-19 related violations such as scams and misleading advertisement about vaccines, therapies or cures for COVID-19 should also be directed to the dedicated portal for appropriate redress and penalty.
The Commission will continue to provide further guidance on its operations and engage stakeholders on how to conduct their businesses during this period.
The Commission again advises consumers to avoid large gatherings, including markets/stores for purposes of needless or non-essential purchases and to follow strictly all the standard disciplinary practices, including staying at home as well as social distancing measures.
Babatune Irukera
Chief Executive Officer